If you compose yourself in a certain way, if you always look people in the eye, if you say right-sounding things at right-seeming times, then people will follow you. People will expect you to guide them through strange places, places where you've never been. If you learn to hide your surprise, if you memorize a few quotes and a few rules of thumb, if you breathe slowly and stay calm, then people will not know when you are lost. People will feel safe even when they are in danger. People will be glad that you're around. These are not things you should do lightly. If you lead your followers astray we will tie a millstone around your neck and throw into the deep, deep sea. "I don't want to be a path, I want to be a shelter," she said to me. "I want to be a place where people want to go. I want to be a place where people stay. Everyone in my life is always just passing through. I am a freeway, not a home." I was touched by her pathos, and she had such a way with words. I think about her sometimes, wondering what happened to her after that day. Coming over a hill, I am blinded by the sun. I adjust my visor to shield my eyes and continue down the highway. I've never been comfortable as a follower. Even when I'm behind, I tend to herd rather than follow. I don't really enjoy leading, it's true, but it comes more naturally to me. It's not so bad when no one follows. Hello, friends. How are you today? Later. Love. |
