In one of my pleasurable trips to the nearest second-hand bookstore, i chanced upon an old copy (1972 newsprint) of the book: Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus. It was almost for free at the unbelievable price of 15 pesos. Yes, fifteen!
I first came across this beautiful allegorical tale back in the eighties when i was just starting to have my mind toss around the meaning of life.
Don't be fooled by the comicbook-ish feel to it. There are many points too profound that a simplistic 15 minute sweep cannot cover. One must savor the story as one savors a glass of good wine. We wonder at some point if there is more to life than what we are currently living. I do have those moments. And those times certainly make me restless. There are also those frantic days when i tire myself out over things that do not really add value to my person. Shallow stuff mostly. Mostly meaningless, but indulged in.
This book is even included in the reading list of an entrepreneurship course in some business schools. Get yourself a copy. If you can't find one, at least google the summary.
Are you still a caterpillar?
Why crawl when you can fly?
Crawling out the cocoon I've been living in
I hear familiar sounds but few recognize who voice it is,
I've been sleeping in until now, and charmed I started scribbling unscrambling towns, games we play imagining everything,
Aint we really lucky cause we get a pair of wings,
Aint we really lucky and that is a lovely thing,
Aint we really lucky there is hope for the flowers
Yeah yeah yeah oh yeah oh yeah...
...Might you try to walk before you learn to crawl
You know much better well if you want to fly just close your eyes
And click your heels together and tell me nothings wrong with this picture, nothing is wrong with this picture
I've been sleeping in until now I spun a course in miracles
I'm really close now, I want us to experience a myriad of styles,
Games we play while managing everything
Aint we really lucky cause we get a pair of wings
Aint we really lucky and that is a lovely thing
Aint we really lucky there's hope for the flowers
Yes oh yes oh yes
There is hope for the flowers yes oh yes oh yes
There is hope for the flowers yes oh yes oh yes
There is hope for the flowers yes oh yes oh yes mmm
