The Wisdom Of The Leaf.

There once was an old man. He had a long life of suffering. His skin was full of wrinkles. Every day he walked to the forest to listen to the sounds of nature. He was all alone. The love of his life died at a young age and he never wanted to open up his heart again. Locked. Key gone. She had been everything what he was looking for in a partner. Then she got ill and died. That day has cut in his heart like a knife. Wounds left. Not really restored over time. He suffered since that day. The light in his eyes had diminished. So sad.

The trees greeted him. They welcomed him as their guest since the first day he entered the forest. They were compassionate and gave him the peace he needed so much. Here he could reflect on his life and just be part of the scenery. No extra colors needed. Just be. The animals in the forest kept on playing. Not afraid of this human presence. The whispering sound of moving leaves was a delight to hear. Like the calming effect of ocean waves. Bringing and taking. A wonderful mechanism.

Not far away an old woman was reading a book. He could not see her as she was invisible. She looked very old. As if she came from another world, long ago. The book was made of gold. Interesting to see. Her hands were full of wrinkles. She was all alone on the bench. Behind her in the tree a bird was trying to catch a glimse from the story in the book. The golden light of the cover was shining in his little bird's eyes. The book felt the sudden attention of the bird. It created an extra chapter. So blessed.

She could see him. Looking at the sky. In his hands a piece of bread. He was not eating it. Just breaking it in many pieces to feed the animals in the forest. She could read his mind. She knew him so well. His thoughts were expressing loneliness and he wished that he could see her at least one time back. The end of his life was approaching. He felt it in his old bones. So he made a wish in that moment. The book covered the wish. Sealed it with love. The words began to create a pattern. Growing. More and more.

The bird noticed the change and was extra careful not to miss any word. The old woman let the story do its work. She watched it. Smiled. The golden book was honored to create this additional scene. The tree next to the old man bowed to the man and gave him a present. A leaf. Just like that. The old man was not afraid. Moving trees not an issue at his age. The leaf had a message. The old man decoded it. When he was a small boy, his grandfather learned him that skill. The message on the leaf was so touching.

It said this: "Hearts that truly connect, will always find a way to meet again. Even when their owner dies. Humans that shared their deepest treasure, will always be reminded of their beauty from within. There are many ways that can be created, to manifest this wonderful wish." The leaf lighted up. Its veins turned into gold. The old man cried. Tears rolling down his cheeks. His heart longed for her. If only he could see her back. This soul longing was so powerful, that the golden book paused. The old woman was painted in human colors. The leaf left his hand and the wind brought it to her. His eyes followed the path, and found her. The emotions expressed in his eyes forever kept in the universe. 

By Liesbeth Leysen

Professional Writer