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Xplayer -> RE: Formulaic (6/21/2010 16:35:57)
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Reflections upon an Ordeal regarding an Arrow
Sleeping Alone
We were led to a circle lit by torches, told to bring nothing
but necessities, our tarps and sleeping bags. As
the march began, the clouds were a light and fluffy
orange like a cool and creamy sorbet.
By the end of our hike, darkness began to eat
away at our surroundings, obscuring our vision
and blocking our path, but we did not fear the darkness
for we were called towards the light.
Four Lenape Indians gave us instructions
to sleep under the stars away from others.
We took a step forward and tried the bow,
a contract of our commitment to the Ordeal.
We were led to a site were the skies were open,
which resembled an army’s camp after a swift retreat.
I was given ground beneath a tree on which to lay my head.
The hours until morning passed in silence.
Straight as an arrow. Brotherhood. Cheerfulness. Service.
Vow of Silence
“I ask you to perform your service in silence,”
the Indian said. The only voice that remained
was the one of my mind, constantly narrating
my experience, detracting from its beauty.
The air held the silence like a priceless treasure
that allowed nature to sing its song to us: the rush
of the wind, the trickle of water, the rustle of animals,
and the small still voice, perhaps something higher.
Lessons were learned without words.
Some words are necessary and difficult to convey
with gestures. Most words are unnecessary,
a part of the massive noise of idle conversation.
This vow dissolved as the sun trekked across
the sky. The silence decayed like a bowstring
rotting in the dirt. No one could bear to face the
inner darkness alone. Words were needed for company.
Straight as an arrow. Brotherhood. Cheerfulness. Service.
Fasting
In the morning, we were given menial provisions,
a cup of cereal, a cup of orange juice. I could hear
my companions screaming for seconds with their inner voices
since the vow of strict silence still bound us like string.
When I took my cereal without milk,
as I always do, my thoughts drifted
to Africa, to third world countries where
this meal would be considered plenty, a feast.
Our tribe was split into clans, four groups
of about twelve. My brother parted from me,
but two friends remained by my side. Our team
was intact, preserved to face the Ordeal.
Our stomachs digested the food quickly, and in a couple
of hours, I was certain that my body was sustaining
itself on the marginal fat I stored. For lunch we were
given a single hot dog, meat, luxury.
Straight as an arrow. Brotherhood. Cheerfulness. Service.
Arduous Labor
Our task was simple. Each campsite needs tents,
and each tent needs platforms on which to stand.
The clan was assigned to move the wooden platforms
to appropriate locations and assemble canvas tents above them.
Our task was difficult. Bound by a vow of strict silence,
we were regulated to gestures to designate location, command,
and intention. If we encountered a difficulty, communicating
was nearly impossible. It was then that the bond of silence began to break.
Our task was grueling. The clan was composed primarily
of thirteen year olds who could barely lift their own
weight. Tents were tangled with young ignorance, and
the older candidates struggled to rescue them.
Our task was humbling. Our arms and legs of flesh were replaced
with those of wood. Rather than standing on a pedestal, we modestly
carried platforms on which others would rest. We discovered
that physical strength alone was insufficient to complete the Ordeal.
Straight as an arrow. Brotherhood. Cheerfulness. Service.
The Arrow
We were led to a path lit by torches
and bound together by rope. I was told
to put my left hand on our bother’s left
shoulder. We hiked the trail in silence.
One of the Lenape Indians was our guide,
our friend. He aided us past the other three Indians
who obstructed our path and guarded their
broken circle. Ordeal, admonition, dedication.
An altar of fifteen candles stood before us.
We all took a step towards the council fire.
All was explained; secrets were revealed.
Another oath was taken; an arrow was bestowed.
The arrow flies skyward, where it is visible to all who follow.
Straight and unyielding, its path is upward, onward, and true.
The arrow is not only crafted from past deeds
but also the obligation of the future, to keep our oath.
Straight as an arrow. Brotherhood. Cheerfulness. Service.
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