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Conversations with a Warthog Long ago, a young man had troubled thoughts. Not able to get answers himself, he went to the Induna of his tribe. “Induna,” he asked, respectfully, “why is life so fickle?” Some children die way before their time, never giving anything back to our tribe, while others live way beyond their productive years. The old ones no longer give to the community and are a burden to all. With the animals, it is the same within the space we share. Some give their spirit so we may be fed, and some live long and become old, giving nothing but their beauty. They feed only the spirit of our hearts.” The wise old Induna listened quietly to the young man, while he enjoyed his pipe and tobacco. He could see that the young man was very troubled. He had given advice to many of his people, and he wanted to help this young man. He scratched his chin, leaned closer to the young man, and spoke quietly, “You need to gather your things and make a journey. You need to go to a faraway place and seek out the wise old warthog. Once you have found him, ask your question. He will give you your answer.” Confused, the young man left his leader’s hut, gathered his belongings as instructed, and left on his journey. After several days of walking in the heat and nights sleeping in the cold, the young man came upon an old warthog sitting in the middle of a large, dry pan. Sitting next to the warthog, the young man repeated the same questions that he had asked the Induna. For several minutes, the old warthog pondered over the questions asked of him. When the warthog spoke, he said, “I have no idea.” Even more confused, the young man returned to his tribe. He approached the Induna and told him what the old warthog had said. The Induna smiled broadly and said how happy he was that the young man finally had his answer. The young man, even more confused, stared back at his teacher and leader. A smile came easily to the Induna’s face, and he told the young man, “No one has the complete answer to your questions. All I can tell you is to live your life sharing all that you have, knowledge, possessions, and your sweat. Be good to your family, friends, and those who come to you as strangers. Always keep your beliefs and when you meet your maker, then you will get your answers.” The calm of understanding crossed the young man’s face. He smiled, leaving the Induna’s hut, walking out boldly into the sunlight and into the remainder of his life. |
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© Copyright: Ronald Machado - 2002
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