Treasure hunter

Treasure Hunter

I set out on an expedition last year.  I was in search of a treasure.  This treasure lurks deep in the shadows of West Texas waters, sheltered by a labyrinth of snags and snares.  It is a fiercely fast hunter who lay stealthily among the tangled mess below. 

Today, I was the hunter, confidently equipped to outsmart the beasts below.

My journey had barely begun when I became stuck.  I was on a slippery slope, losing grip, hope fading... how am I going to get out of this?  I’ve been in pickles, but this was extreme. I’d barely started the expedition and was already facing defeat.

Another hunter, on a trail of his own, wandered by.  He was aged by time.  The brokenness of his body slowed his travels, but steadily, he managed his way to me. 

"We'll get you outta this" he calmly claimed, confident that together we'd be better.  He hooped and hollered. “Go this way and that.  Keep trying, don’t give up.  I’m with you through this and we’ll get you unstuck.”  The teamwork worked, and with my path cleared, I was on my grateful way.

Time in the waters floated by like the water itself.  Quiet.  With no treasure found, I was losing my drive.  It's been easy for me to stay in the shallows, but this journey demanded a different course.  I took a breath and pushed reset, gathered my gear and resuscitated my resolve.  I vowed to keep searching.  The treasure was calling.

It was then I met another man, tall and strong.  His posture was leaned, as if holding a shield in front of his army.  He stood, defiantly anchored against the headwinds and swells of life.  He saw my defeat and turned my way.  Adjusting his dusty and tattered cowboy hat adjusted my spirit.  Both felt better now.

"Son,” his voice subtly firm, aged by the sands of time.  “I've been through it a time or two.  At least three,” he smiled.  The hardness of his leathered face instantly smoothed like suede, rubbed the proper direction.  Amused by his own joke for a moment, he refocused.  “The world is tough, but you gotta remain gentle.  The harder I fought life’s currents the stronger they pushed back.  Fighting life will end you, as it nearly did me. 

Ease up on the reigns a little and loosen your grip.  Let the ole horse navigate.  I promise she knows the way.  She’ll show you the most beautiful views.”

We parted ways with a handshake.  I kept a part of him with me.  He’d shared his heart, bolstering mine.  He’d shown me a map and gave me new tools, hoping he’d helped in finding my treasure.  I raised my shield, positioned my sword, and off I charged. 

Unfortunately, the new tools posed new obstacles, and the map led to treacherous grounds.  I closed my eyes and heard his words.  "Let go of the reigns, son.”

I dropped my shoulders and loosed the sweaty leather reigns from between my fingers.  I let the current lead, and minutes later success!  My trophy had been caught and successfully landed.  “Yay!” I whispered.  It was beautiful.

However, unsettled, I remained.  Why was happiness so difficult to achieve?  The missing piece was something not seen.  It couldn’t be caught no matter my pleas. 

The wind picked up, carrying words for me.  From voices past, floating in the breeze, quiet encouragement ruffled the leaves. 

"Enjoy your life. Go on, be free!  Go see what the world can be."

I stowed my weapons and gave to the winds.  I held my head high with tears in a stream.  I leaned in strong and sang out heartily, "This is me!”  I yelled and exclaimed, "I am Me! I am Free!", but only inside because out loud isn’t me. 

I’d found my treasure.