...Wander, if you will, a bit away from the thriving hum of activity that is the downtown. Leave behind the aromas and sounds and busy energy that is civilization. Simply walk a bit, take in the glorious golden gleam of sunlight shafting green through trees and across grass. Feel the pavestones beneath your feet give way to gravel, then dirt as the city is left entirely behind, the road narrowing from a broad avenue to an earthen path.
Odd, how this little road had never before been noticed... but it is tranquil, a lovely contrast to the sometimes -too- busy hum of the city proper. A pleasant walk, at the very least....

The path turns, gliding serpentine over earth and green, and vanishes into forest. Stately oak and ash reach with welcoming arms to the golden-gleaming sun that warms air and leaf with equal passion, and the gentle breath of a breeze whispers wordlessly of tranquility, of a lifting of burdens, a casting off of cares and an offering of respite and ease.

Follow the path. It slips between the trees, an invitation implicit in its disappearance into greenery and dappled sunlight. Follow the path... the gentle murmur of water makes itself gradually known as the earthen path spirals between an avenue of trees, ever inward, ever closer to an unknown destination.

Round the last corner. A broad clearing greets you, its carpet of grass lush and vibrant, and the source of the water's voice is revealed as a carved stone fountain, bubbling and rushing with water from an unknown source. Three basins form its bulk, exquisitely carved and smoothed from untold years of the water's loving caress. Step closer; leave the hard-packed earth path and let your feet find succor in the luscious, thick grass. Trail your fingertips against the smooth rim of the broad basin forming the main pool, trace the intricately carved words that travel the stone, unworn by the sweet kiss of flowing water.


'Many paths find this place as their end,' it reads. 'Many roads here converge. Each leads to the same: peace. Find it here, and take with you what you find, when the time comes for you to take your leave. Leave in its place a coin, a tiny gift of yourself in trade and balance of what you find.'

Peer into the water; glimmering there in the warm and welcoming sun are, indeed, coins of all shape and size, all manner of metal discs gleaming in mute reminder of others who have found a few minutes' calm. Reach into your pocket. There will be a coin; there always is when it matters. Clutch it tight. Whisper to it your fondest wish, your most unbearable trouble; tell it your story and let it fall into the water that murmurs low to you. Watch the ripples spread, watch the coin fall, sink away beneath the untroubled, clear water, ever flowing, ever changing and ever the same...

....welcome to the wishing well.

Wish well.

[ January 08, 2004: Message edited by: Miiru ]