Inspiration

It didn’t happen that often, at least that’s what he liked to think, but Jason could do nothing but stare at the blank screen, helpless to continue. Writing might be his passion, and his main livelihood, but even for one such as himself; sometimes the words just stopped flowing. It was known to the world by such an innocent phrase, “Writer’s block.” However, ask an author or a writer of any description and they would say that “Writer’s block” is but a mild euphemism for a horrible and painful scourge which must have originated in a place far from any light.

Yet, for every problem, a solution is but one thought away, however long and convoluted it may be, and for this re-occurring issue, one which plagued the young man almost daily, there was but one simple answer. Inspiration.

With an audible sigh, the lanky and fair skinned writer initiated his computer’s shut down procedure. There had been nothing on the screen, and thus there was no use in saving. With a quick jaunt around his cramped study, he slipped the essentials of life into his pocket and was soon out of his small two bedroom apartment, staring out at the sidewalks of the city.

For the moment, Jason lived in Melbourne, a pleasant city in the south of Australia, known at one point for being the most livable metropolis in the world. It was said that the major factor that went AGAINST that decision was the weather, and on this cold and blustery winter’s day, it might have seemed obvious why, yet as with many things, there is often more then meets the eye.

Stepping into his car, parked as it was ungainly on the side of the street; he slammed the door shut and cranked the ignition. His present mode of transportation was an old red Ford Laser, still functional and actually a decent vehicle truth be told, however that didn’t stop him from yearning for a new ride, something to impress, but not scream for attention. However today, the seeker of enlightenment had more important things in mind, and without another thought, he punched the gas.

Weaving (the only true word to describe his driving) through the early afternoon city traffic, the author began to reflect on the events of the day… of the past week… and then on the past month. It had been a tumultuous time, one with a great many obstacles and upsets… but yet equally, one of great joy as well. It was an unusual paradox, a stage in life where people often never find themselves.

The sound of a horn shattered Jason’s musing as the green light before him shone steadily for all to see. As his car lurched forward, the young man ideally wondered how long the light had been green for… it was unlike him to be so distracted.

Just ahead the Botanical Gardens beckoned and he began to look for parking spots. At this time, the process should have been easy, and soon he was rewarded with a bay not meters from where he habitually came when he needed to clear his mind.

Stepping out, Jason headed for the nearest hill and as he reached the top, the clouds broke around him and the sun began to shine all around.

There he stood, on top of a great hill; before him, bathed in glorious yellow sunlight, lay a wide open plain that stretched in rolling hillocks for as far as the eye could see. The entire area was covered in yellowing grass swaying back and forth with the fluttering of the warm summer wind leaving ripples on their backs. Far in the distance sat some cows sat, calmly chewing their food, watching with docile eyes at this intruder into their world.

Then slowly the sound came, a dull roar that began to crescendo with each moment. At first it could have been mistaken for a single, drawn out note, but as the noise grew, Jason could begin to distinguish the individual rhythms that merged together in a chorus and harmony which was not of his world.

A movement from the west, as a herd of wild horses crested a nearby hill. At the front charged a single stallion, majestic in all his freedom and raw power. Even as he galloped before his companions, those who were under his command, the wind seemed to follow an invisible command, and the most elemental of forces parted without objection. The mighty stallion, pure white with a shining mane of golden silk, continued off past the horizon, and Jason could only watch in awe… his eyes wide and mouth opened…

Slowly he turned around; reluctant almost to take his eyes from the golden plain… and the dream, the vision… the Inspiration was gone.

Yet it was enough... more then enough.