The Torrent

Torrent Walk- Near Dolgellau

We approached the steaming valley where the scene of a great frenetic activity grew louder and louder.

A crashing, pouring and chiselling, evident long before we could peer down into the abyss.

Here was the constant unyielding thunder of 'work'.

No one was about to explain the meaning, as all were focused on this great monumental task.

Gouging, polishing and steadily pushing. Emotionless, with single purpose; all working together.

Such a relentless mission but set in this beautiful tranquil setting.  

Light bounced through the trees, spot-lighting trees, bushes and the flow of water.  

We followed the gentle path upwards, surveying the focus below.  

Down in the depths the rhythm of a thousand tools, 

A magnificent timeless endeavour, never wavering, never missing a beat.

Eventually we found someone willing to spare a moment to explain.

"We were given this task long ago, long before anyone can remember.  Our task is to lower this valley, much lower, until calm is restored to the world, and only then will our work be done.  Then the great flow will be stemmed, peace will be restored, a paradise, a nirvana will descend."

"When will come to pass?" I asked.

"We work night and day.  Everyday, without a break; a constant single commitment.  Our mission is only completed when this flow is stilled, when the ground beneath us meets with the level of the sea.  Then we will taken our rest; we will enjoy the rewards of our labour."

I looked alarmed. All will be well?  I was not reassured.  This, a wonderful day, a day worth all this effort?

I thought of the cruelty of the sea.  The sea did not understand rest.  This faithful worker knew nothing about the hard unfeeling sea.  He knew only of lies, of manipulative stories.  No one had told these sprits of the relentless, restless tides that pull the sea back and forth, nor of the bitterness of the sea that killed all sweet things.  

"Now I must return to my task" calmly spoke the sprit, and with that dived down into the waterfall and off into the torrent beneath.