Wonderland (A Haibun)

The heat pricked my skin as I stood at the beginning of a road crusted with dirt and dust. A stone marked with the words Pili Drive watched from a distance. The wind brushed my nape as I took a deep breath. Sudden questions hovered above, somehow causing my hesitation. 

To go or not? 

No one would know if I didn’t. Yet somehow, an unknown force beckoned me to come forward. The gravel of the road kissed my shoes as I dragged them slowly at first, till they eventually picked up the pace.

Leaves falling slowly

A light breeze comes out to play

Where shall it lead me?

The scent of fresh mown grass mixed with the smoke of the passing vehicles filled my nostrils as I walked. Sweat began to bead on my forehead as the sun glared menacingly yet I persisted. Halfway, the soreness in my feet tempted me to abandon my journey. 

Sayang naman, I thought, Nangangalahati na. That unknown driving force continued to push me, little by little.

The road stretched further. I saw less of infrastructures and more of exquisite sceneries. Mountains no longer peeked from behind buildings as I saw more of them; their gracious figures and luscious colors standing out. The leaves of the trees were delighted to see me; their leafy branches danced along with the wind that kissed me as I walked.

Golden fields of corn

Trees ever so majestic

My eyes craved for more

The absence of modern infrastructures introduced me to a sight so rare. Walking further away from my version of reality, I met a wonderland along the way. The pain from the journey was forgotten once I was greeted by stretches of green fields dotted with golden figures of corn and vibrant blossoms. The light breeze whispered gently in my ear; the birds singing their favoured songs. None of the usual grumblings of cars or the roars of machineries. I no longer heard the noise of the city, only the melodies of nature.

String quartet of birds

Symphony like none other

Resonating peace

Amazing. 

There I was, in the middle of a colourful masterpiece, the artwork of God Himself. My nostrils lusted for the fresh air mixed with the occasional scent of flowers. I longed to detach from my self and let loose on the soft looking grass...to frolic in the glorious fields and forget, even for just a while. All the constrictions and bindings have been left behind. I floated, realized where this journey lead me....

It brought me home.