Rock On

from the Just Because collection (2002-2006)

Just because you are human doesn’t mean you will be that way for ever. For those who believe in multiple lives there is always the chance to step in a different direction after death and assume the form of another. I liked the life-shifting emphasis that made this point at the end of Robin William’s film, What Dreams May Come. There are many ways we can perceive death in order to reduce the fear factor of our eventual demise. I was having a reincarnation discussion with a friend and she said that she wanted to come back as a bird. That is certainly an appealing thought. There are few sights more inspiring of freedom than a bird soaring high above on a warm updraft, wings outstretched, skimming the currents of air.

“Can you come back as a rock?” I asked. “What would be the point?” was the response. I’ve admired some rocks. Some rocks I’ve been so fond of that I have taken them from their location and set them up in my yard. One set of rocks I turned into an inukshuk; a lifelike human statue that points the way. I like rocks. I thought they might be cool to be friends with in an afterlife setting. There wouldn’t be much conversation, but then maybe rocks communicate telepathically. Rocks don’t seem to suffer too much from the cold, wind, or rain. Sure, there is some erosion going on with rocks, but in my human form I’ve suffered some nicks and cracks as well. Rocks aren’t necessarily cold, but sometimes the environment forces them to be. I’d like to think of myself as a rock that has been warmed by the sun and a great green lizard or furry purring cat has climbed up on me to absorb some of my stored radiant energy. Think of some rocks you’ve known and picture them lasting for a long, long time. Aside from the possibility of a very long afterlife, I’d be content in my spot, alone or with other likeminded rocks, enjoying the stillness that comes with being a rock.

You don’t see rocks being asked to sit on committees or being phoned to contribute to yet another needful cause. Rocks just don’t get bugged. Think of some ancient rocks. Maybe Aristotle and Plato are a reincarnated pair of rocks in one of those ancient Greek buildings that have been standing for thousands of years. Now there are two philosophical rocks who have made a contribution to an entire civilization! Just because rocks aren’t animate doesn’t mean they can’t bring pleasure. Imagine a smooth flat one being aimed by a laughing child then skipped across a still water surface. For a moment, at least, there was life in that rock.