The Dark Horseman

Do you ever feel a prickle at the back of your neck and glance over your shoulder, certain you are being followed?  That's because you are.  A dark horseman rides in the shadows, always present yet seldom noticed.  You might see the flutter of a long, flowing cloak as the breeze stirs it, or hear the muffled sound of horse's hooves striking the earth.  Maybe a faint melody catches your ear (or is it a bridle's ring?) evoking thoughts that dissolve before they form.

Sometimes, in a quiet moment, a ray of remembrance lights the horseman up and recognition dawns.  Of course!  He is the past, the bearer of all your yesterdays, bound to you with ties that can't be severed.  His face is deeply etched and battle-scarred, his gaze direct and fathomless with the wisdom of the ages.  Vital and alive, his presence may make you uneasy, uncomfortable, ashamed, because nothing of you is hidden from him.

Then you notice his cloak.  Ah, his cloak!  It is a tapestry woven of many slender threads, in places beautiful to behold, with intricate designs and diamonds glistening throughout.  Other spots are dark and snarled, fraught with broken strands.  Seamlessly it flows down over the horse's back, down and out of sight.

Mostly you pay the horseman no mind, maybe wishing to forget he's there, but his influence touches you in myriad ways.  He is a thief, for he has stolen parts of you that can't be retrieved, and the loss leaves a hollowness deep inside.  He is your worst nightmare, charging at you with his sword drawn and whistling through the air, his horse thundering ahead as if demons pursued, eyes rolling and nostrils flared.  You cower in terror, certain you will be trampled, but the sudden prick of steel propels you forward; there is no other choice.

At times his sword is a beacon of light showing you the path ahead.  There, in the brilliant beam, you catch a glimpse of tomorrow; a rosy-cheeked young miss dressed all in white, only beginning to appear.

Comforter, faithful companion, puzzling enigma and mysterious stranger, all these things he is as well, but most importantly, the horseman is your teacher.  He is the firm foundation beneath your feet, offering you the gifts of memory, conscience and experience.  His wisdom can lead you into the future on a path straight and true instead of a zig-zagging course that veers hither and yon.

To learn from him he demands your attention.  He asks that you wrest yourself away from the present a bit, for today is the temptress, seducing with bright and flitting distractions, consuming time and energy in addictive ways, leaving you dissatisfied and reaching for more.  Enjoy the fruits she offers, but make wise use of her time, and save empty places here and there where her influence can't be felt.  Then the horseman will appear more clearly, bringing you countless revelations.

"Do not long for that which you have left behind," he whispers.  "It is right where it ought to be.  Do not mourn for the loved ones who've gone ahead on their journey.  They are waiting just around the bend and you will catch up to them bye and bye.  Remember this: love and gratitude are the wings that carry you up into higher vistas, you and the ones close to your heart, where sight grows strong.  Then you will see a huge army of horsemen, their cloaks flowing one into the other, marching forward into the future where all things must go, for good or for ill.  May you find the courage and strength to prevail over darkness and bring light to the world."