The Traveler

​A traveler had the goal of getting to where he wanted to go.

He carried essentially all of his belongings with him in a handmade canvas sack that he fashioned into a backpack using two ropes.

He wore decades old tennis shoes that were taped together on the sole and sides with duct and electrical tape.

He always wore a jacket for protection during the sun, as he was constantly on the road; and of course for any sudden changes of weather.

Whenever he was asked where he was going, he never gave a clear or even a definite answer.

This of course frustrated the people who desired to help him on his way.

“I thank you kindly for the support, but I would hate to take you away from what you are doing.” was always his response to offers of help.

He stopped to take a short rest on a park bench, when a soccer ball rolled up against his foot.

Picking it up, and turning around to give it back to the playing kid, they noticed the man’s ragged appearance.

In a movement of powerful innocence, this kid asked this man if he wanted to take their ball.

“No thanks, kid…

...you have already given me what I needed.”