My Mind’s Eye
Torchbearer
“In my mind’s eye, I can see forever…”
“Brother, what is it really like to see forever?”
“It’s as if I am running at the speed of light, through all the different landscapes of the whole world.”
“I’m amazed by this. Does it make your heart race and tummy do flips?”
“I’m used to it now. But yes!”
“Have you always been able to see it? Ever since the torch was passed I mean?”
“Yes. Being the torchbearer is a high honor.”
“I bet. When you’re going so fast all around the world, can anyone see you?”
“No, because I’m going so fast.”
“When is your next trip?
“Oh, tonight while you’re sleeping I’ll go again.”
“I see. Maybe, I’ll dream of you.”
“When I start the race, first, I make sure there is nothing tangled around me. When I start the race, I see all the colors and hues from gorgeous landscapes. Greens of pastures, blues of oceans, reds and oranges of trees, and I feel the warmth of the sun on part of the world and the chill of snow on another part of the world.”
“But what is the torch for exactly?”
“Truth.”
“Truth for what?”
“I hold the Spirit of Truth. It is what the torch is… Without me running through the world, people would fall into even worse levels of derision.”
“I don’t know what that word means…”
“What word?”
“Derision.”
“Derision means people who believe lies about themselves and where the world originated from.”
“Like they don’t believe in God and stuff?”
“Right, they start denying that God exists at all.”
“That sounds sad…”
“I agree!”
“So you run for truth then?”
“Yes, all around the world, in the flash of an eye! Actually, several times in a day.”
“It’s hard to imagine.”
“I know. Someone has to run with the torch of Truth. If I don’t, then no one will.”
“Are you sure that truly no one else will, brother? I’d do it too if I could.”
“Well, you’re right there could, or likely are others that do it too but I have to pretend like no one does at all… so that I don’t get lazy, ya know?”
“I don’t think you’re lazy…”
“Well, thanks.”
“You’re welcome!”
“I take my job very seriously.”
“I can tell. I want to do it someday too. I want you to show me how to take the torch of truth!”
“You do?”
“Yeah, I can be serious-minded like you for such a great task!”
“I believe you, little sister.”
“That makes me feel glad!”
“The amazing part of it all is that there are lots of witnesses. Not people but the clouds watch you as you race. So the clouds are the witnesses.”
“Haha! That’s an interesting thing. Clouds of witnesses. Hmmm.”
“Yes!”
“It seems like clouds move so slowly though. I guess I am surprised that the clouds even notice you when you run as fast as you do around the world.”
“Yeah, it does seem strange, now that you mention it… Alright, good night. Get some rest, little sister. Soon, I’ll teach you how to run with the torch, but not tonight.”
“Well alright, good night. And wave hello to the witness of clouds for me!”
About the Creator
Rowan Finley
Father. Academic Advisor. Musician. Writer. My real name is Jesse Balogh.
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Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
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Comments (2)
The concept of running “at the speed of light” yet still seeing all the landscapes of the world is really unique. It grounds the frantic race as a holy and intentional act of conviction rather than a hurried obligation. The clouds witnessing is such a unique and memorable element.
This is really lovely, warm and imaginative! It feels playful and sacred at the same time, which isn’t easy to pull off. Something tells me the little sister is already running—she just doesn’t know it yet.