Arykh


The Writing on the Wall, A Road Now Traveled
(In Dedication to WEB)

Climbing the hills and mountains of our soul, we encounter obstacles that it is hard to believe anyone else could share. So we struggle on or give up. This is a story of someone who didn't give up. Someone who is gone but is still here and will remain here forever.

The hills were enormous. The valleys stooped down so low you could not see the bottom. But as the road less traveled had become the highway of his soul he decided not to stop where everyone else would say whoa. Jumping to a stance like a bird taking flight wings spread from shoulder to shoulder. His arms outstretched, he dives for the bottom. Clouds passing him as he soars across the open ranges. His wings black and gold carried him for a long time till finally he decided to land once again. When he landed he looked around. The mountains had ended. Just luscious, flat, green, open meadows remained. A home sat to the far back and he could tell from a glance exactly where he was. His wings disappeared for he knew he would not need them anymore.

He began to run like a child to a parent. A feeling, a sensation that had no end. A face appeared from beyond the homes door and he came to a sudden stop. There before him stood a face. A face of pure beauty. A face so wondrous that description itself fell short of any words that could speak the beauty of the name.

That is when the face kneeled down before him and said as it opened its arms, "Well done my young one. You have soared as a bird yet with no wings, you have climbed quicker then a tiger searching chasing the next meal, but mostly you have been true to your beliefs, your heart, and your friends more then many neighbors in countries of the world. Though you be with flaws just as any of them do, you stand before me now tall and undefeated. You are strong and now pure. Just as promised in times past, I give you this new world to explore. The challenge is over, the journey complete. In time your friends will come as well but until then you may visit as you wish. They will not see you but your presence shall be felt. However, now you must rest for your journey is over. Your piece does begin."

He laid down his thoughts and cradled his dreams. So much left needed to be done. But the time just did not allow. Why did it not allow he thought. It began to puzzle him too much. But then he realized where he now stood once again and all this was gone. He walked to the water of a near pond and looked down at his reflection. It too had changed without any feeling of change at all. He too was now beyond expression, yet he knew exactly what had happened. He walked back to the home and opened the door. Inside was all he had ever dreamed, all he had ever wished. He was finally able to rest. He sat down at he drawing table that was gathered in a corner by the window. He began to sketch faces he had never seen before. He knew the faces but only as names. Then other faces appeared that he knew before even drawn. A mural he began to sketch took detail and shape with a simple thought of his will, and the wall was covered with the piece that he wanted and knew. The faces on the wall were his friends and family his own salvation achieved. Each one distinct in it's own way. The brother he knew was in color. The leader of a board he loved was there with pencils and pens by his side, others too from the board existed and his life reflected back. Finally he came to the final stage of his mural. The finishing touch to complete it all. He drew slowly a line to connect each and everyone. A web was formed that brought tears to his eyes. But upon the completion of his web he saw what he had done. The sketches took life and he could see each member as if standing beside them all. They all traveled along their own webs. Through mountains their own. He could see their challenges and help guide them through. Even in rest he did not give up on his friends. He was at piece and happy. His Web was complete.

Goodbye dear friend WEB. You will be missed greatly. But even as we sit at our computers or walk through the mountains and valleys of life, we know you will be there with us. We know you will help us weave our own webs and in time will see you as well. We love you friend. Now go be at piece and remember that when you want to see us again just look at the mural. We will be here, just as you are here for us.

R.I.P. WEB
Beloved friend and fellow fan of The Crow