Cottony Clouds

Meredith and her father emerged into a dreamy world of cottony clouds that stretched as far as they could see in every direction. The sun shone pleasantly warm, and the air was lightly scented with heavenly sage. "Welcome to the Fifth World, Meredith," he said, inhaling deeply and regarding his daughter fondly.  

"It's beautiful, Father, I love it. Is this where you live?"

"Yes, it is. Come, let me show you around."

"But we'll fall! There's no floor." She peered at the sea of clouds underfoot.

"Trust me," said her father.

Good Fortune

As they strolled over the clouds, Meredith felt good fortune shining upon them. Tranquility and harmony flowed through her. A piquant fragrance reached her nose. Casting about for the source, she discovered sweet red clover blossoms lining the walkway of clouds. She plucked a bud and sucked on the base. It tasted of nectar.  

"My hummingbird guide would like these red blossoms."

"Yes, he would," her father said agreeably.  The feeling of concord and caring continued unchecked.  All would be well. 

Soaring

Sunlight illuminated the clouds as Meredith followed her father through the serene landscape. A gentle mist arose, enveloping them in soft radiance.  

They walked effortlessly over buoyant fair-weather clouds that sprang back to fill in their footprints. She felt almost as if she could fly. Why not try? She shoved off and soared a few feet above the clouds before landing in the soft cottony stuff. This was bliss. Her father, seeing her, joined in the fun.

They soared again and again, covering a short distance at each jump, laughing hilariously.

Cloud Ball

Meredith and her father continued to glide over the cloudscape. One thing wasn't right, though. Meredith turned to face her father.  "I'm worried about Mother."  

"So am I," he said. She saw by his face that he was worried too.   

"Will she be all right?" She lifted a loose cloud puff and held it in her hands.  

"I hope so." He moved to put his arm comfortingly around his daughter, but Meredith pulled away.

"She didn't seem all right. She's in such pain! She's being tortured constantly. How can she stand it?" Meredith patted the cloud puff into a smooth ball.

"Your mother is a strong woman, Meredith. She can hold out for quite a long time."   

"Yes, but sooner or later she'll give out, and then she'll die," said Meredith. She bounced the cloud ball up and down in her hands, until it disintegrated into nothingness.

Take Action

"I wouldn't be so pessimistic if I were you, Meredith. The best way to help your mother survive is to believe that she will make it. If Mother Earth continues to exist, then the human race will have a world to inhabit. If not, we all might as well give up."  They glided slowly across the uneven surface, mulling it over.

"I wish I could do something to help her."  

"Take action to save the environment. Then pray that it works."

Locomotion

They walked on. "Maybe you should go and check on her," Meredith said after an interval. "Make sure she's all right."

"That's a good idea. I'd like to see how she's doing." He put his arm across her shoulder, and she accepted it. They continued walking arm in arm along the cloud way.  

Finally he said, "Would you feel safe here by yourself for a little while? I could make a quick trip to the Fourth World and be right back."  

"Of course, Father. I'm searching for my soul. I can handle that myself."

"I'm off, then." He extended his arms at an angle from his body. "I told you I had my own means of locomotion," he said, grinning, as he rose directly up into the air. He sped over the cumulus clouds until he was out of sight.