My Santiago

OLD MAN AND BOY

An old man and his little grandson, Walking hand in hand, in the quiet of a weekday afternoon. Both with heads down, deep in reverie, unanimous in direction, comfortable in the silence that fits like an old shoe. There wasn’t any need for words. They said it all, in the trusting clasp of hands, the militaresque, slow precision of footsteps, and the elusive aura of camaraderie. Boy, trying to be like man,

walking like man, slow and profound. And old man, without his knowing, being changed into little boy, wide eyed and in love with life, Seeing it all as a new beginning. Both giving a little of themselves to each other, and growing! Here,

in this seemingly unobtrusive liaison,

away from the power brokers of this world, is the very zenith of an experience between two souls. One, old and careworn,

who knows the world,

the other, young and fresh,

yet to know it.

And in this commingling is truth and love.