Ducky
05-23-2008, 09:04 PM
Here it is:
CAVES OF SHAMBALLA
Wash away my troubles, wash away my pain
With the rain in Shambala
Wash away my sorrows, wash away my shame
With the rain in Shambala
Chorus:
How does your light shine
In the halls of Shambala?
~"The Road to Shamballa" ~ music by Three Dog Night
****
Springtime.
This was the time of year, that my husband and I, looked forward to the most.
We decided to do the some 'spring-cleaning'.
We pulled up stakes and hit the road.
Preperations were long in the planning, but well worth it.
Family was previously notified of our intentions and wished us 'all the best'.
Even our helpful and kind neighbor, who had been friends with us for ten years, wanted to join us on our journey.
"Another time, my friend." My husband made up his mind that we go it alone. Just the two of us.
With all that life had to offer, our only real treasures were our children.
Yet, our happy nest had been vacant for well over fifteen years.
We had reluctantly put the house on the market, but ultimately, it had fetched a pretty penny.
All debts to society were paid.
It was at that point, that we decided to make one more investment.
With new-found money at hand, we elected to spend some time travelling abroad and spelunking remote caves in northern Ontario.
****
The road trip proved to be un-eventful, save for the occasional bursts of nature's new-born beauty.
Two hours into the drive, a fawn had lept out from the underbrush and sauntered across the road.
We slowed to let it pass, wondering if there were others.
After a few minutes of oohing and awing, the waning smiles on our faces reminded us to continue on with our journey.
Three hours of driving, and hundreds of meandering miles later, we finally arrived.
We parked our car along the outskirts of a provincial park and unloaded our supplies and gear.
Time to stretch our legs and walk off the numbing sensation in our behinds.
There wasn't any particular schedule to follow; those days were long gone.
Yet we couldn't afford to waste the limited daylight. So on went the backpacks.
The car was given a 'once over' to make sure that everything was in check, when I had almost overlooked one important item.
I tried to snag it off the dashboard, but saw the package of newly-developed pictures of our grandchildren, slide under the passenger seat.
I meant to show them to Chris.
"Angie... come here!" My husband had already geared up and was standing near the embankment..
"Chris, one sec...let me get something..." I started to loosen the straps around my shoulders in order to snake my way into the seats.
"HONEY! Never mind that...you have to see this. Come quick!"
Hearing the insistance in his voice, I ignored what I was trying to grab, locked and closed the door.
"Well they aren't going anywhere." I walked over to him, and noticed that he was pointing to something in the far-off distance.
"What's up?" I visored my eyes with one hand and squinted.
"Do you see that blinking light on that ridge over there?" He pulled my head closer to his hand to line my sight up.
"Yeah...I wonder what it is?"
The sun was in our eyes, however, there was a small pulsing flash emanating from the opposite escarpment.
"Are you up for it?" He looked at me with a mischieveous raised eyebrow. The look said it all; he wanted to explore.
In order to see what it was, we'd have to trail down this side, cut across the valley, then negotiate a steep embankment at the other end..
I let out a long whistle.
"A bit of a climb on the other side don't you think?" I wondered if the trek would take most of the afternoon.
"It's 9:30 right now, I figure we'll make camp in about five hours...that's with a few breaks in between. Then we'll pitch tent and have supper. Don't worry...it'll be fine." He re-assured me with a quick peck on the cheek. "Come on, I'll lead."
HIking down-hill was the easiest part. Gravity was our friend, yet we had to resist the urge to sprint or else run the risk of unwanted tumbling that would send us to the bottom in one tangled hurting heap. Not an option. The extra weight on our backs helped to stabilize us from lurching forward. Every once in a while, we'd huff and puff a few words at each other to break up the monotany. Aside from that, the heaviness of our packs slowly taxed our energies. So conversations were kept to a minimum.
Nearing the valley floor, I snagged my left ankle on some thorny brush. After a few choice words, and vowing not be complacent again, I made my way to Chris.
"What were you mumbling the last few feet down?" He started to unload his backpack
"Ahh.. nothing.." It was after I took my gear off, when I took inventory of my foot. A red tinge was seeping through my sock.
"Ewww...what happened there?" He pointed at it and made a grimacing face.
Sitting down, I took off my socks and shoes and washed off the blood with water from the canteen.
It wasn't serious, and I told him it only required a bandaid or two.
Chris must have heard my stomach rumble, and on cue, opened the top of his pack and handed me a sandwich.
After a much needed break, we were ready for round two.
Traversing through the valley was more pleasant than climbing or descending hills. When your back is at a constant tilt, the previously taut muscles, NOW have a chance to relax; allowing a reprieve to tackle the next bout of hurdles. Chris even commented on how this was synonymous with life.
"Are you getting all ethereal on me now hon?" I had a constant view of his backside and wanted a different change of scenery..
"Ang...we've done alot for the family and others. We've been to hell and back and never asked a boo from anyone."
I knew where this was coming from because I felt 'it' too.
"HONEY...stop for a sec." I needed to clarify a few things. We had almost finished clearing the valley and I felt that we needed another break.
Chris turned to look at me.
I walked over to him and gently cupped his face with my hands.
"Babe...it's OUR time now." I felt my lips purse. "I don't want OUR journey to end."
"Angie...it's just the beginning." He gave his usual quirky smile, kissed my lips, and motioned forward.
****
The climb above was pretty much the same as our downward desent, save any injuries.
Five and a half hours later, and a somewhat throbbing ankle, we agreed to station below a prespice. It seemed secluded enough to offer shelter, as well as provide a magnificiant view of the evening valley below. The only drawback was the fact, that the air was very chilly.
****
Our blazing fire was a beacon to all others who wanted to embark on their own journeys. It provided, not only warmth, but a compass point.
This shining light showed others where we were in the world, and when its essence waned, it revealed our departure.
****
I awoke to the early light, and had reiterated last nights talk with Chris.
"The darkness in the back... felt like it went on forever."
"What do you mean?" He was busying himself preparing our first repast.
I sleepily rolled around on our blankets and pointed to the extreme darkness that played with my imagination.
"Do you hear itt?" I looked at him intently now.
"If you mean the 'slight music' and other stuff, then YEAH... I hear it." He flipped a few bacon pieces on the Coleman grill. "We're close to the top of the cliff and there might be other people camping too. I thought we got away from civilization."
I didn't know whether he was joking with me right now. Either way, I was hankering for food.
After I spooned up the last of what was on my plate, I suggested that we check out what was in behind us.
"That's pretty dark back there. Uhh...this was the place where we saw the light. Doesn't seem to be anything going on now."
"I guess so hon. Veni, Vedi, Vici." He started to walk towards the embankment again.
We spoke too soon.
****
What had previously shone a beacon, shone once more... fervently.
Did we see a figure of a human being within the light?
I was so taken aback. I looked for an answer in my husband.
He took the initiative and worked his way towards the back of the cave.
"Chris, wait for me!". I had a determined look now.
Inching my way forward, and careful not to stub my toes on the scattered rocks, I jumped ahead of my husband.
"Quick, shine your flashlight ahead!"
"What do you see?" I could feel his presence pushing behind me.
"Don't know yet..." I squinted my eyes, and strained to take in this marvelous sight before us.
"Ohhh WOW!..." I whispered. Any sylables that I uttered there-after, were incoherant.
With a palid visage, I turned to meet my husbands already white face.
We had adjusted our eyes to the dark reaches. and towering before us, were two intricately hand-carved, fifteen foot golden doors.
Was this the very thing that had echoed its presence and had compelled us to come here?
Standing before this ancient portal, and with timeless questions in our minds, we heard these audible words:
"You both may enter."
The doors very slowly opened, to reveal a huge passageway that also shared the same height as the door.
The length of this grand hallway had rivaled two football fields.
Who could have constructed this?
"Now what?" Trembling somewhat, I grasped my husbands hands tightly.
"We were invited in..." His eyes pleaded to move onward.
****
The figure who we had seen previously in the light, was waiting for us at the end of the long corridor.
Arching our necks to look up at the kind face, we felt a soft benevolence beaming down in our direction.
"This way if you please." She pointed to what I can only compare to as an elevator of some sorts.
We stepped on a hovering circular platform and held on to side rails.
The controlled drop was akin to the many amusement park 'free-falling' rides.
Yet, there wasn't any queasiness felt in the aftermath.
After a few minutes, the elevator doors opened, and we saw the biggest cavern in our lives.
Before us lay a pristine lake surrounded by many sized crystaline structures. This was a city!
This place was a virtual paradise with no comparison.
We breathed in all the colors, lights and sounds.
"On earth, as in heaven..." My thoughts resonated, and I felt my husband's hand caress my arm.
We were mesmorized with a beautifully adorned gate that led into the city.
Those arriving or departing here, seemed compelled to shimmer their inner light, as if to let others know of their presence.
It sounded like many faint tinkling bells and chimes. Such music!
From this point, we were escorted past a common area and led into the largest inner-city structure.
A very well-built human male; fourteen feet, to be exact, sat on a very big 'throne'.
"Greetings, I am Argartis."
"Where are we?"
"Shamballa." He sensed our many inquires that were springing up.
Before we could ask further, he smiled serenely and motioned his hand in the air.
"All will be revealed. We feel your hunger for enlightenment. Both your inner lights speak to us in this sanctum.
We offer you the chance to learn more than you would ever had on the surface.
Should you want to stay, then your bodies will be 'prepared', so as to not age another moment.
We don't have this problem and are able to work between our world and yours."
This Elder, as he was referred to by others, looked no older than my son.
However, wisdom of the ages, reflected back from his eyes.
Anticipating the answer to our next question he blurted out.
"7,500 years. This is my age."
We were blown away!
"Should you accept our generosity, you will no longer be able to visit the upper lands.
The corporeal preperation works once, and only down here."
He patiently waited for us to answer this once in a life-time descision.
"Babe...it's our time now." I could hear Chris's voice wavering, looking for re-afirmation.
"But, we'd never be able to return hon..." Tears were starting to well up.
The Elder had read the uncertainty on our faces and wisely chose his words..
"We are not without compassion. You may choose to retain one item to bring with you on this next journey."
****
Two park rangers had been patrolling the outer dimensions of the provincial park and come across an abandoned car.
Both rangers exited their vehicle, and performed a parimeter check.
They noticed that the side passenger door was ajar.
A set of large footprints lead from the valley, then back down.
On the ground, fluttering in the wind, was an empty photo package..
****
END
CAVES OF SHAMBALLA
Wash away my troubles, wash away my pain
With the rain in Shambala
Wash away my sorrows, wash away my shame
With the rain in Shambala
Chorus:
How does your light shine
In the halls of Shambala?
~"The Road to Shamballa" ~ music by Three Dog Night
****
Springtime.
This was the time of year, that my husband and I, looked forward to the most.
We decided to do the some 'spring-cleaning'.
We pulled up stakes and hit the road.
Preperations were long in the planning, but well worth it.
Family was previously notified of our intentions and wished us 'all the best'.
Even our helpful and kind neighbor, who had been friends with us for ten years, wanted to join us on our journey.
"Another time, my friend." My husband made up his mind that we go it alone. Just the two of us.
With all that life had to offer, our only real treasures were our children.
Yet, our happy nest had been vacant for well over fifteen years.
We had reluctantly put the house on the market, but ultimately, it had fetched a pretty penny.
All debts to society were paid.
It was at that point, that we decided to make one more investment.
With new-found money at hand, we elected to spend some time travelling abroad and spelunking remote caves in northern Ontario.
****
The road trip proved to be un-eventful, save for the occasional bursts of nature's new-born beauty.
Two hours into the drive, a fawn had lept out from the underbrush and sauntered across the road.
We slowed to let it pass, wondering if there were others.
After a few minutes of oohing and awing, the waning smiles on our faces reminded us to continue on with our journey.
Three hours of driving, and hundreds of meandering miles later, we finally arrived.
We parked our car along the outskirts of a provincial park and unloaded our supplies and gear.
Time to stretch our legs and walk off the numbing sensation in our behinds.
There wasn't any particular schedule to follow; those days were long gone.
Yet we couldn't afford to waste the limited daylight. So on went the backpacks.
The car was given a 'once over' to make sure that everything was in check, when I had almost overlooked one important item.
I tried to snag it off the dashboard, but saw the package of newly-developed pictures of our grandchildren, slide under the passenger seat.
I meant to show them to Chris.
"Angie... come here!" My husband had already geared up and was standing near the embankment..
"Chris, one sec...let me get something..." I started to loosen the straps around my shoulders in order to snake my way into the seats.
"HONEY! Never mind that...you have to see this. Come quick!"
Hearing the insistance in his voice, I ignored what I was trying to grab, locked and closed the door.
"Well they aren't going anywhere." I walked over to him, and noticed that he was pointing to something in the far-off distance.
"What's up?" I visored my eyes with one hand and squinted.
"Do you see that blinking light on that ridge over there?" He pulled my head closer to his hand to line my sight up.
"Yeah...I wonder what it is?"
The sun was in our eyes, however, there was a small pulsing flash emanating from the opposite escarpment.
"Are you up for it?" He looked at me with a mischieveous raised eyebrow. The look said it all; he wanted to explore.
In order to see what it was, we'd have to trail down this side, cut across the valley, then negotiate a steep embankment at the other end..
I let out a long whistle.
"A bit of a climb on the other side don't you think?" I wondered if the trek would take most of the afternoon.
"It's 9:30 right now, I figure we'll make camp in about five hours...that's with a few breaks in between. Then we'll pitch tent and have supper. Don't worry...it'll be fine." He re-assured me with a quick peck on the cheek. "Come on, I'll lead."
HIking down-hill was the easiest part. Gravity was our friend, yet we had to resist the urge to sprint or else run the risk of unwanted tumbling that would send us to the bottom in one tangled hurting heap. Not an option. The extra weight on our backs helped to stabilize us from lurching forward. Every once in a while, we'd huff and puff a few words at each other to break up the monotany. Aside from that, the heaviness of our packs slowly taxed our energies. So conversations were kept to a minimum.
Nearing the valley floor, I snagged my left ankle on some thorny brush. After a few choice words, and vowing not be complacent again, I made my way to Chris.
"What were you mumbling the last few feet down?" He started to unload his backpack
"Ahh.. nothing.." It was after I took my gear off, when I took inventory of my foot. A red tinge was seeping through my sock.
"Ewww...what happened there?" He pointed at it and made a grimacing face.
Sitting down, I took off my socks and shoes and washed off the blood with water from the canteen.
It wasn't serious, and I told him it only required a bandaid or two.
Chris must have heard my stomach rumble, and on cue, opened the top of his pack and handed me a sandwich.
After a much needed break, we were ready for round two.
Traversing through the valley was more pleasant than climbing or descending hills. When your back is at a constant tilt, the previously taut muscles, NOW have a chance to relax; allowing a reprieve to tackle the next bout of hurdles. Chris even commented on how this was synonymous with life.
"Are you getting all ethereal on me now hon?" I had a constant view of his backside and wanted a different change of scenery..
"Ang...we've done alot for the family and others. We've been to hell and back and never asked a boo from anyone."
I knew where this was coming from because I felt 'it' too.
"HONEY...stop for a sec." I needed to clarify a few things. We had almost finished clearing the valley and I felt that we needed another break.
Chris turned to look at me.
I walked over to him and gently cupped his face with my hands.
"Babe...it's OUR time now." I felt my lips purse. "I don't want OUR journey to end."
"Angie...it's just the beginning." He gave his usual quirky smile, kissed my lips, and motioned forward.
****
The climb above was pretty much the same as our downward desent, save any injuries.
Five and a half hours later, and a somewhat throbbing ankle, we agreed to station below a prespice. It seemed secluded enough to offer shelter, as well as provide a magnificiant view of the evening valley below. The only drawback was the fact, that the air was very chilly.
****
Our blazing fire was a beacon to all others who wanted to embark on their own journeys. It provided, not only warmth, but a compass point.
This shining light showed others where we were in the world, and when its essence waned, it revealed our departure.
****
I awoke to the early light, and had reiterated last nights talk with Chris.
"The darkness in the back... felt like it went on forever."
"What do you mean?" He was busying himself preparing our first repast.
I sleepily rolled around on our blankets and pointed to the extreme darkness that played with my imagination.
"Do you hear itt?" I looked at him intently now.
"If you mean the 'slight music' and other stuff, then YEAH... I hear it." He flipped a few bacon pieces on the Coleman grill. "We're close to the top of the cliff and there might be other people camping too. I thought we got away from civilization."
I didn't know whether he was joking with me right now. Either way, I was hankering for food.
After I spooned up the last of what was on my plate, I suggested that we check out what was in behind us.
"That's pretty dark back there. Uhh...this was the place where we saw the light. Doesn't seem to be anything going on now."
"I guess so hon. Veni, Vedi, Vici." He started to walk towards the embankment again.
We spoke too soon.
****
What had previously shone a beacon, shone once more... fervently.
Did we see a figure of a human being within the light?
I was so taken aback. I looked for an answer in my husband.
He took the initiative and worked his way towards the back of the cave.
"Chris, wait for me!". I had a determined look now.
Inching my way forward, and careful not to stub my toes on the scattered rocks, I jumped ahead of my husband.
"Quick, shine your flashlight ahead!"
"What do you see?" I could feel his presence pushing behind me.
"Don't know yet..." I squinted my eyes, and strained to take in this marvelous sight before us.
"Ohhh WOW!..." I whispered. Any sylables that I uttered there-after, were incoherant.
With a palid visage, I turned to meet my husbands already white face.
We had adjusted our eyes to the dark reaches. and towering before us, were two intricately hand-carved, fifteen foot golden doors.
Was this the very thing that had echoed its presence and had compelled us to come here?
Standing before this ancient portal, and with timeless questions in our minds, we heard these audible words:
"You both may enter."
The doors very slowly opened, to reveal a huge passageway that also shared the same height as the door.
The length of this grand hallway had rivaled two football fields.
Who could have constructed this?
"Now what?" Trembling somewhat, I grasped my husbands hands tightly.
"We were invited in..." His eyes pleaded to move onward.
****
The figure who we had seen previously in the light, was waiting for us at the end of the long corridor.
Arching our necks to look up at the kind face, we felt a soft benevolence beaming down in our direction.
"This way if you please." She pointed to what I can only compare to as an elevator of some sorts.
We stepped on a hovering circular platform and held on to side rails.
The controlled drop was akin to the many amusement park 'free-falling' rides.
Yet, there wasn't any queasiness felt in the aftermath.
After a few minutes, the elevator doors opened, and we saw the biggest cavern in our lives.
Before us lay a pristine lake surrounded by many sized crystaline structures. This was a city!
This place was a virtual paradise with no comparison.
We breathed in all the colors, lights and sounds.
"On earth, as in heaven..." My thoughts resonated, and I felt my husband's hand caress my arm.
We were mesmorized with a beautifully adorned gate that led into the city.
Those arriving or departing here, seemed compelled to shimmer their inner light, as if to let others know of their presence.
It sounded like many faint tinkling bells and chimes. Such music!
From this point, we were escorted past a common area and led into the largest inner-city structure.
A very well-built human male; fourteen feet, to be exact, sat on a very big 'throne'.
"Greetings, I am Argartis."
"Where are we?"
"Shamballa." He sensed our many inquires that were springing up.
Before we could ask further, he smiled serenely and motioned his hand in the air.
"All will be revealed. We feel your hunger for enlightenment. Both your inner lights speak to us in this sanctum.
We offer you the chance to learn more than you would ever had on the surface.
Should you want to stay, then your bodies will be 'prepared', so as to not age another moment.
We don't have this problem and are able to work between our world and yours."
This Elder, as he was referred to by others, looked no older than my son.
However, wisdom of the ages, reflected back from his eyes.
Anticipating the answer to our next question he blurted out.
"7,500 years. This is my age."
We were blown away!
"Should you accept our generosity, you will no longer be able to visit the upper lands.
The corporeal preperation works once, and only down here."
He patiently waited for us to answer this once in a life-time descision.
"Babe...it's our time now." I could hear Chris's voice wavering, looking for re-afirmation.
"But, we'd never be able to return hon..." Tears were starting to well up.
The Elder had read the uncertainty on our faces and wisely chose his words..
"We are not without compassion. You may choose to retain one item to bring with you on this next journey."
****
Two park rangers had been patrolling the outer dimensions of the provincial park and come across an abandoned car.
Both rangers exited their vehicle, and performed a parimeter check.
They noticed that the side passenger door was ajar.
A set of large footprints lead from the valley, then back down.
On the ground, fluttering in the wind, was an empty photo package..
****
END