sunday, november 13, 2011

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‹› the Tortoise and the Snail ‹›

it was an unusual sight to be sure, but Miranda did not see it as strange... she saw it as endearing. 

"oh, what a touching sight" she said to her best friend Ron. "a turtle giving a ride to a snail! and what an adorable snail!"

the snail perked up at that, looked over to Miranda and said "come closer human child. i wish to talk with you. no one has found me adorable in centuries.... please." 

Miranda made introductions to the snail as she and Ron came closer, then said politely to the tortoise, "greetings. you are a fine looking turtle."

 "she prefers Tortoise" whispered the snail. "i don't know why, even after all these decades. i am, perhaps ironically, called Snail." "decades?" asked Ron, incredulously. "oh my, yes" answered Snail. "Tortoise and i have been together for what seems eternity. and i have happily gained some measure of longevity by being her companion.... guess some of it rubbed off on me." the snail chuckled. "we were together when Tortoise became famous, you know. who do you think navigated for her in that story, 'the Tortoise and the Hare'? that would be i."

"that's marvelous" interjected Miranda.

"yes, it is dear girl. we have an amazing partnership. it is a rare gift, not to be taken lightly. it can take some work to build a trusting friendship, but it can be far more rewarding than the time it takes. you see, we were both separate and whole beings when we met, and we have retained that wholeness of self, even as we have united. this is important in creating the true partnership we have achieved over the years. it is the freedom to be oneself, and to be accepted wholly and heartily as you are, that truly bonds and does not bind. and, we help each other harmoniously. this also is important. i navigate for Tortoise, as i can see so much better from up here, and she is Mother Earth to me. i ride upon her and see the sights and gain nourishment and care from her ancient wisdom. we assist each other in many other ways as well. it is indeed a great exchange, and it feels as if every day, we reach a higher union by our appreciation of the gift and of each other."

Miranda sighed adoringly, and glanced over to Ron, as Snail continued on a bit more:

"if you are aware of these things, and cherish the gifts as they come dear children , you could very well be blessed enough to find a partnership as true and magnificent as is ours."

"i do so hope!" said Miranda and Ron together, surprising each other.

they continued talking to Snail, even though Tortoise, without conversing, kept quietly moving now and then. and as the sun began to set, and the human children needed to leave, Snail called out to them, 

".... don't worry about Tortoise being so quiet. it will take her a year just to figure out who your family is and who your ancestors are, etc. but by then, if you return, she will be able to properly greet you. good luck lovely new friends. may you ride well!"

acceptance and respect go a long way... 

blessings

saxz

∞