The Naked Man

I left the noisome crowd and entered Caabia. All was as before, save my own increased awareness. The village square a place of near earthly sight (the senses, don’t you see) Was veiled in powdered light beyond peace beyond quiet in total contrast to time’s deception. There was a motionless standing figure now distant I had not noticed before OR The person had not BEEN before (and before when I cannot say) Beneath salubrious trees a row of benches in the talcum grass the way ‘round this motionless figure AND a silent throng come out of their dwellings (the house doors stood open) a tower bell chiming (in my mind because there was a tower seen) a perfect pastoral village as before only NOW this mysterious distant presence I entered the scene and took a seat ‘neath the trees my feet on the talcum grass head in the powdered air And since the central subject did not speak I asked the one next me “Who is this presence?” “He is the naked man.” “What sayest this man?” “He says nothing.” “What does he do?” “He does nothing.” “Where does he go?” “He goes nowhere He is alone in Harmonia.” “Is he beautiful?” “No one can tell.” “What thinkest this man?” “He thinks of nothing.” “Can we approach this man?” “WE MAY NOT!”