September 8, 2002
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Flying on the couch over twisting country roads in glorious sunshine to regions unknown, Danielle read aloud to me Old Greek Folk Stories, by Josephine Preston Peabody, copyright 1897, that began with:
Once upon a time, men made friends with the Earth. They listened to all that woods and waters might say; their eyes were keen to see wonders in silent country places and in the living creatures that had not learned to be afraid. To this world outside the people took their joy and sorrow; and because they loved the Earth, she answered them.
It was not strange that Pan himself sometimes brought home a shepherd's stray lamb. It was not strange, if one broke the branches of a tree, that some fair life within wept at the hurt. Even now, the Earth is glad with us in the springtime, and we grieve for her when the leaves go. But in the old days there was a closer union, clearer speech between men and all the other creatures, Earth and the stars about her.
Out of the life that they lived together, there have come down to us these wonderful tales; and, whether they be told well or ill, they are too good to be forgotten.
It continues to say, "Pan led a merrier life than all the other gods together; he was lord of everything out-of-doors!" This weekend, I was happy as Pan, dancing vertically, climbing barefoot high on a flawless sun-baked precipice, listening to the sound of a fair maiden's sweet melody floating up from the forest below; diving off a lofty ledge into clear cold water on the Big Salmon River, then canoeing out to Split Rock at Duck Pond, camping on top, roasting sausages over the fire, eating rich dark chocolate and strawberries with Rum and Coke, then playing with Danielle under the stars and in the mornin' wind-bound in the Pleasure Dome. Oh... the fun of it all... being a child in my prime... wild and free... accompanied by a brilliant beautiful woman who brings out the best in me!
