Lonely Rock

(Internal dialogue as thought by a solitary rock on the side of a river).

Day in and day out I sit alongside this river; my love, my life. White and glistening I stand strong and timeless. What does it all mean, though? This soothing river washes over me and retreats; above my head then below my feet and back again. What is the purpose, though? I look onward to see all kinds of uprights; quadrupeds, bipeds, things with wings, and swimming beasts with no appendages whatsoever. Yet, here I sit still and forever unmoved.

I question my purpose, sometimes. I feel as if I am part of so much more yet I cannot sense it. No matter, really, as the now is all that really matters. The water rushes to my side and it tingles and tickles my sides. I can feel the sediments rubbing by and caressing me. The water rises and its inhabitants come to say, hello. They ask me why I sit here all day and night and just watch and ponder. I sit stolid and silent to their questions and bring forth a grin. Whole generations of these creatures go by from birth to death over and over again and they all ask the same questions: why?

To me it isn't the why, really, its the existential questions. What am I sentient for, as an example. Again it matters not. The water slowly goes back down to below my feet. This is the time that I see some truly odd behavior. I see some fury quadrupeds and they visit me sometimes. Everyday, though, a scaled-shelled quadruped that calls itself turtle. Turtle lays on my back and sits in the sun. We are speechless and seemingly timeless together. Turtle demands nothing and gives nothing yet I feel serenity within and ubiquity abound. Turtle leaves and arrives at its leisure - and that is wonderful.

Occasionally, I am ensnared by some very curious beings. These bipeds float down the river wearing all kinds of materials. For some reason they find it necessary to tie me up in rough sinewy strands to moor themselves ashore. They are noisy and boisterous and then it hits me. I see the purpose of it all; it must be utility and to serve as a helpful steward to all. Yeah, that must be it. I feel joy when these creatures rely on me to help them. They don't notice me, say thank you, or even take a second look at me. I say nothing to them and keep a smile on my face as I stand strong to help them throughout their adventure. Eventually they go, loud and absurd.

I am rock, I am solid. I stand alone and I stand timeless. I am alone but I am all and I am purposeful. I am also nothing and solitary. I am beside this river from the beginning of memory and will remain till the end of memory. I am every part of all beings and no part of anything. The only point I have to mention is to say hello next time you see me and you will be able to feel me smile for you have made my day.