The day begins not with screaming alarm clocks and unrelenting snooze buttons, but only when the sleeper is aroused to wakefulness by the soft kiss of sunlight and the fill tilt of rejuvenation. The smell of fresh coffee wafts through the morning air and greets me in its already prepared state. My ever-patient dogs then accompany me outside where we walk along a garden path spilling with fresh blooms in all the colors of the rainbow.
Clocks do not exist and we move by the light of the sun and the pull of the earth. Hammocks are placed at random points in the landscape, and napping is encouraged and respected. Neighbors wave a cheerful "Hello" while tending to their yards. Postal trucks only deliver good news to mailboxes, and their engines, along with all other vehicles, play soft classical music instead of the grinding of a motor.
Conversations are meaningful, and everyone is allowed to finish their sentences without interruption by someone else's impatience. Handwritten letters replace e-mail as epistolary treasures, and the rules of capitalization and punctuation are commonplace since one never dreams of writing a 15-line run-on sentence. An old social convention of refraining from discussion topics of politics or religion outside of close relationships is revered once again. Race, creed, gender, color, and sexual orientation are seen as glorious characteristics that benefit the beauty of the human race rather than used as weapons for one group to feel superior to another. Everyone is given six weeks a year to explore other lands and connect with people outside their familiar circles.
Children never know an emotion more painful than the sting of being told by mindful parents that they must finish their school work before they can go play in the safe communities and adventurous countrysides that surround their homes. Classes of music, art, and writing are held in the same regard as science, mathematics, and history. Education is available at no cost for all who desire it because society understands the high cost of an uninformed population. Competition motivates individuals to strive for improvement rather than acts as a means to degrade another.
Sunsets are celebrated events with daily gatherings of fellowship, appreciation, conversation, and good food. Laughter really is the best medicine, along with moderate amounts of chocolate. The word 'love' is saved for describing personal relationships and not for one's attachment to a brand of shampoo or floor cleaner. Sleep comes easily and is always restful. Moonlight always holds a little mystery and a twinge of magic.
Oh gracious me dear lady... you have done it again! A Perfect World indeed. You and I share something here, Rita, only, I have never found the words to adequately describe what you have. I am amazed by your ability to capture the true essence of what is important without taking 10 pages to do it. I think I need to print this out and read it often! Thank you Rita. Oh, and thank you for also teaching me a new word... "epistolary" - I had to look it up... that's a goodie!
ReplyDeleteOh, my, Xan, your words leave me deeply humbled. Much happiness to you!!! I send you light and peace across the miles. xoxoxoxo [I smile at your last line because I only learned that word a few years ago -- from a movie -- and have loved it ever since.]
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