The Stranger Who Thirsted - A Parable

If a Stranger sojourns on the road
And asks you for water for his thirst ~
Will you give him to drink?
Or will you give him words he cannot hear?
~~~ Which would be bitter in his mouth as vinegar
And cause the stranger to thirst even more.
Or will you first unstop his ears
so he can hear the words you speak ~
And then, Hearing ~
He will hear the Voice of your Words.
To him, they will be as Water to a thirsty Man.

If a Stranger, having his Thirst quenched
Then asks you to teach him to Walk ~
Hold up his head so He may see the ground in front of Him
Till He is able to stand on his own.
After the Stranger is able to Stand,
Hold him by the Arm and Walk beside him
Till he is able to Walk on His Own.
When the Stranger can Walk ....
Do not leave Him Alone on the roadside.
Rather, carry Him on your Back
Until he grows Wings and is able to Fly.
Help him to mount up with his Wings
As the Eagle, and fly Beside Him
Until he Knows the Way Home.

Inspiration received by Summer Breeze
September 23, 1998.