The truth is hard to see. It hides behind ugly lies and fearful misconceptions. He's afraid to look beyond them. Will he ever see the truth? Will he ever really know? He starts to search, growing more fearful as he goes, knowing that somewhere the truth lies, undistorted by the garbage at his feet. But he is afraid to see the truth.

In answer to his questions: "Who am I? Why am I here? Why do things have to be the way they are? Do they have to be this way? Can I change them? What can one man do?"

An answer is heard, quietly whispering: "You are no one. There isn't any purpose for you here. Everything is the same as it always has been, and always will be. You certainly can't change anything. You are only one man, and a single man can't do anything."

The voice grows louder as he digs through the trash. He is afraid the voice is the voice of truth. He grows weaker as the voice grows louder. It is as if the voice is draining away his strength. Finally the voice becomes a shout . . . he falls grasping the last bit of garbage and flinging it away.

Unmasked truth!! At last he can see. The voices have ceased their tirade. Another voice, sweet and melodious, calls to him.

"You are a man, a member of the species that overcomes. You are here in this place and time for a reason which you are destined to fulfill. In that way you can change, as great men before you have changed, anything you desire. Throughout history, man has been continuously striving for his betterment. Each man has either cast his lot for good . . . or evil, and unceasingly worked to reach that goal. Each man must choose one side or the other. No choice is a decision in itself."

He saw it now. The reality struck him. The shouts had increased as he drew near the truth because when he discovered the truth he would be able to rise above the unthinking masses, and destroy the garbage from whence the shouts came. He must tell someone! No . . . they wouldn't listen. He could be killed for this cause. No, he must carry his burden within, forever, wherever he goes. The truth will haunt him until he finds the courage to live with what he has learned.

Graphics by Moriah's Web Jewels
©1981 Karen A. Freeman