Hell on the Horizon

I felt like adding a post and I got inspired by my friend, Emma, posting an English essay on her blog. No, mine is not quite as good as hers (she is fantastic), but I enjoyed writing this one. The topic was an idiom we wished. Here goes nothing:

Hell on the Horizon

A hooded figure calls you as you stagger in the rain, past the dark, deserted alleyway.

“Come with me,” it whispers. “I can help you.”

At this point there are many thoughts gushing, like the rain, through your mind. Who is this person and why is she here? What does she want with me? Why is this happening? I should have called my parents to pick me up.

It seems absolutely absurd for a stranger to be reaching out for your hand. However, it is through this strange act of random kindness that the world keeps spinning. Kindness is like breath to a human, chords to a song. It is the sun around which all the planets revolve.

Unfortunately, in this day and age, kindness is found too few and far between. It is used so infrequently that it is now hidden in the dark, away from the view of the world. In the era of the rat race, most people barely have time for themselves, let alone anybody else, and it seems more apparent, that using others to get ahead is the new way of the wicked.

We live in sad times when by first instinct, we see the hooded figure as ominous, dangerous and as a liar.

“What do you want with me?!” you demand in terror. The rain almost drowns out the fear in your voice. With hands shaking you think back to the pepper spray you were supposed to buy.

Hostility. Hostility towards those who reach forward and try to help you when you can’t help yourself. Why are we so afraid to show when we feel weak? Within our sordid society, one is always expected to be perfect. We need to be able to go somewhat like an Energizer Bunny and never wear down. Our emotions are not allowed to wear thin and we are definitely not allowed to take a break from our chaotic schedules.

It is no wonder that our world is constantly at war. Our countries fight for materialistic effects, things that are easily shared, and kill millions in the process. During the War in Iraq alone, over one hundred thousand Iraqi civilians were killed. For what reason?

Bob Marley expresses it the best: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, this world will know peace.”

You take a closer look at the hooded figure. Her cloak is soaked right through. She looks as pale as a corpse and as fragile as a glass menagerie. Her boney hand still stretching out.

Is she dying?

As you debate this likeliness, the pouring rain begins to dissipate.

Death.

It seems inevitable that kindness will one day die out. However, if each and every person in this world makes even a miniscule effort to be kinder and more compassionate, this world will be that much better. The dense fog of gloom will slowly begin to lift, and we will all be able to see the sun more clearly.

You look again, and her hand is still wavering towards you. Persistence.

After waging a war inside of your head, you reach out and take her emaciated hand. You cannot do it alone anymore. The rain slows to a slight drizzle, and you can see the sun peeking out from behind the clouds. Even this frail lady seems a tad more alive. She is not as menacing as she seems.

That hooded figure is kindness, something I aspire to personify, reaching out to hold your hand. To guide you. To help you. For the day when the last person stops caring, is the day when all hell will break loose.