Turtle Island

I wrote this last fall for my partner, Kehte Deer. Then I drew him this picture to go along with it. As you may have guessed, it's a bit of a love story.  

Turtle Island

Two spirits stood together, looking down at Turtle Island. One of them turned to the other and said, “Our relatives are struggling. They are scared. In their hearts they know what they need but they can’t seem to get there. Those who are already there and trying to help are getting tired.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying I want to go down there and help our people. I want to help encourage them.”

The other spirit considered this. “I think I’d like to go with you.”

So having decided, the two spirits went to the Creator and explained what they wanted to do.

The Creator showed them the potential paths they could travel. There were many paths to choose from. Some led to beautiful, comfortable lives where they would be able to fulfill their purpose immediately and without obstacle.

But there were only two paths they could take where they would end up together. Neither of those paths were particularly easy ones.

“What do you want to do?” the spirits asked each other. “If we take any of these other paths, we won’t be together. But if we take those paths, we’ll have to suffer before we find each other.”

The one spirit looked down at the great Turtle. “Yes, but when we do find each other, we will help one another heal. And we’ll still be able to help our relatives.”

Having made their decision, the two spirits returned to the Creator and shared their intent.

“All right,” the Creator told them. “If this is what you feel your purpose to be, and you are ready to go, go with our blessing.”

And so the two spirits stood once more at the edge of the Skyworld. One spirit reached out and took the other’s hand. They beheld one another for a long time without speaking. And then together, they leapt, they fell, they flew, down to the Turtle below.

This is their story.