Read Online A Survivor's Guide to Eternity by Pete Lockett - Free Book Online
Authors: Pete Lockett
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propel us forward to better states of existence and hopefully a more fulfilling life, not just to survive,” replied Ed.
“That’s very true. On the positive side some human traits won’t be missed at all.”
“Such as?”
“The desire for fame for example, or greed. The ridiculous tendency to compare ourselves negatively or arrogantly to those around us. The negativity of hoarding well beyond what would ever be necessarily required. There must be more,” replied Sam.
“Good point. They’re all negative, but for sure, comparison is by far the most painful for people personally. I can’t say it didn’t affect me. I remember sitting on the train as a boy feeling like a complete geek because I had the wrong jeans on, or something that wasn’t too fashionable. It would lead me into a completely negative cycle and before I knew it, I hated how I looked and what my body was like. I would stare in the mirror with dismay wishing I was like some of the other boys. It was a really horrible feeling. Right up to the end I couldn’t dance at parties because I felt so self-conscious.”
“We’ve all been there, Ed. Bad dancing won’t kill the ground though.”
“Philosophical yet again, Sam.”
“Truth is everyone probably felt the same way, comparing themselves to someone else, maybe the older boys or some young pin-up lad or whatever. The cycle never stops.”
“I think girls and women were worse, don’t you?” enquired Ed.
“It’s not so much about better or worse, it was just different. The end result of self-loathing or arrogance would probably be the same.”
“Very true. Well, we’re agreed that we won’t miss that. I can’t imagine I’ll be going around comparing my six-pack to that of a local tortoise do you?” said Ed ironically.
“Exactly my point.”
“Greed as well, Sam - can’t imagine any need to hoard stuff if we are only around for a few days.”
“Yes, It never made any sense to me. I always thought there was enough money and resources in the world for everyone if it had just been shared out a bit,” replied Sam.
“It’s hard to say really, without having all the facts and figures. One thing is for sure though; the habitually greedy didn't do much to help the needy innocents. It’s hardly surprising that there was so much conflict all the time.”
“Sad but true, my reptile friend, sad but true…”
Sam and Ed continued talking throughout the afternoon, debating, musing and considering life, death, morals and reincarnation. The evening dusk began to advance upon them and soon crept down into the lair on a mild twilight dew. The previous night Sam had gone out around this time to get their impromptu meal. Tonight he was going to leave the lair for a very different reason and for the very last time.
***
“Don’t come with me, Ed. I must be on my way now. You don’t want to see me go to the next stage of my journey. It won’t help you for tomorrow.”
“But can’t I at least come some of the way with you?”
Ed was distraught at the idea of losing his new friend. In such a short time he had become his only link to sanity and reality.
“I could just come up to the top of the path with you?”
“No, stay here till morning and then go up to the stream. If you crawl in you’ll get caught in the current and swept downstream. Try to turn yourself upside-down and it’ll be quicker. You’ll then have your next transience and start over.”
He walked past Ed, stopping alongside and nuzzling his snout beside his scaly reptilian head.
“Just to say goodbye. You’ve been a real friend this last thirty-six hours. I’ll not forget you. You’ll give me strength for the next part of my journey. Don’t worry about me. You’ll learn once you’ve been through it a few times. It’s really quick. There’s a blinding light and then a thud like someone has punched you. Then it’s all over, no pain or suffering.”
Then he turned away and made his way up the small
“That’s very true. On the positive side some human traits won’t be missed at all.”
“Such as?”
“The desire for fame for example, or greed. The ridiculous tendency to compare ourselves negatively or arrogantly to those around us. The negativity of hoarding well beyond what would ever be necessarily required. There must be more,” replied Sam.
“Good point. They’re all negative, but for sure, comparison is by far the most painful for people personally. I can’t say it didn’t affect me. I remember sitting on the train as a boy feeling like a complete geek because I had the wrong jeans on, or something that wasn’t too fashionable. It would lead me into a completely negative cycle and before I knew it, I hated how I looked and what my body was like. I would stare in the mirror with dismay wishing I was like some of the other boys. It was a really horrible feeling. Right up to the end I couldn’t dance at parties because I felt so self-conscious.”
“We’ve all been there, Ed. Bad dancing won’t kill the ground though.”
“Philosophical yet again, Sam.”
“Truth is everyone probably felt the same way, comparing themselves to someone else, maybe the older boys or some young pin-up lad or whatever. The cycle never stops.”
“I think girls and women were worse, don’t you?” enquired Ed.
“It’s not so much about better or worse, it was just different. The end result of self-loathing or arrogance would probably be the same.”
“Very true. Well, we’re agreed that we won’t miss that. I can’t imagine I’ll be going around comparing my six-pack to that of a local tortoise do you?” said Ed ironically.
“Exactly my point.”
“Greed as well, Sam - can’t imagine any need to hoard stuff if we are only around for a few days.”
“Yes, It never made any sense to me. I always thought there was enough money and resources in the world for everyone if it had just been shared out a bit,” replied Sam.
“It’s hard to say really, without having all the facts and figures. One thing is for sure though; the habitually greedy didn't do much to help the needy innocents. It’s hardly surprising that there was so much conflict all the time.”
“Sad but true, my reptile friend, sad but true…”
Sam and Ed continued talking throughout the afternoon, debating, musing and considering life, death, morals and reincarnation. The evening dusk began to advance upon them and soon crept down into the lair on a mild twilight dew. The previous night Sam had gone out around this time to get their impromptu meal. Tonight he was going to leave the lair for a very different reason and for the very last time.
***
“Don’t come with me, Ed. I must be on my way now. You don’t want to see me go to the next stage of my journey. It won’t help you for tomorrow.”
“But can’t I at least come some of the way with you?”
Ed was distraught at the idea of losing his new friend. In such a short time he had become his only link to sanity and reality.
“I could just come up to the top of the path with you?”
“No, stay here till morning and then go up to the stream. If you crawl in you’ll get caught in the current and swept downstream. Try to turn yourself upside-down and it’ll be quicker. You’ll then have your next transience and start over.”
He walked past Ed, stopping alongside and nuzzling his snout beside his scaly reptilian head.
“Just to say goodbye. You’ve been a real friend this last thirty-six hours. I’ll not forget you. You’ll give me strength for the next part of my journey. Don’t worry about me. You’ll learn once you’ve been through it a few times. It’s really quick. There’s a blinding light and then a thud like someone has punched you. Then it’s all over, no pain or suffering.”
Then he turned away and made his way up the small
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