DARE TO BE A DANIEL

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DARE TO BE A DANIEL

Daniel meandered unfettered across the windswept meadow.   Every breath was accompanied by the sweet fragrance of wild flower’s which permeated the air.  Frequently he strolled alone but Daniel had innumerable admirers.  This stately character stood six feet four inches, yet he could bend like a willow in the wind.  When Daniel walked into the modest fishing hamlet strangers would stare in disbelief.  The Villagers would nod and wave at Daniel, comfortable with his eccentric demeanor.

As he sauntered through the tiny village he had an equivocal mien.  No matter how hot the weather his choice of clothing was constant as was the colour….black.  His manner of dress often led people to believe he belonged to the Hasidic Community.  A long overcoat fell from his broad shoulder and there were several buttons missing.  He wore a top hot which was perched and slightly askew on his crown of long white hair.  Gently he would stoke his beard with one hand while in the other he supported his many books.

Daniel enjoyed his days sitting on a bench under a great red maple tree.  He would close his eyes and feel the sun as it danced across his frame and warm his handsome face.  Opening his eyes he took great pleasure watching the fishing boats sailing on the placid waters, often recalling days that were irrevocably lost but not forgotten.

Many people would stop to talk to Daniel and he would reach out and hold a hand or pat someone’s back.  There were many who came to borrow a book or two and some just came to sit and glance out to sea.  This scenario was replayed time and time again.  It was evident that when people left Daniel there was a shift in their appearance and demeanor. 

Sometimes Daniel would meet a stranger on a dirt road near his home however no one ever manifested any fear of this man.  If they wished to walk with him they would have to slow their pace as he was not a man to hurry.   Anger was not a word that would ever be associated with this gentleman.  He was an enigma to those who knew him or as some had claimed a wee tad esoteric.

Where he had been and where he was going was sever questioned.  It was difficult to tell his age, he appeared ageless.  Time was of no concern; Daniel did not own a watch.

Subsequent to having an encounter with Daniel, people demonstrated an abiding and indisputable benevolence.  There were intervals where he was not observed, however, his essence was invariably present.  Some say he was an epistemologist and others just hummed the hymn,

  “Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to Stand Alone,

    Dare to have a purpose and dare to have it        

    known.”

Anne Storey

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