I could see across the entire horizon from my perch on Juniper Mountain. The desert came into view as my focus moved in closer and I could see a couple making their way slowly down the bumpy dirt road, like a silver bullet in slow motion. It’s hard to explain to someone who can’t see through multiple dimensions exactly what it looks like. As if echoes of souls across space and time converge in one setting. Some interacted without hesitation. Some were completely unaware of the others, behaving as if they were the only ones in the universe. That’s a silly notion really, but it’s so easy for some to feel disconnected. Especially humans. Even after some pass on they have no idea of the wonder going on everywhere about them. Let alone inside and right through them.

There was a swarm of activity below. Children were playing outside of the small motel, chasing each other with what appeared to be a shed snake skin. Travelers came and went, some in groups, some alone, making their way across the surface. It was hard to know what the landscape looked like to human eyes. I could see beautiful grasslands waving in the breeze, but they were fading. The desert sand and sage replacing them as far as the eye could see. Or was it the other way around? I couldn’t tell. It was like trying to figure out the waxing and waning of the moon when you’re not sure what day of the month it is and the lunar cycle spans millions of years.

It required an enormous amount of concentration to filter all the signals and focus my vision. Like looking up in the sky and focusing on a flock of birds in the tree canopy diving for insects at sunset while planes fly by in the sky a mile above. It’s all there. But you have to choose what you focus on to see it. I practiced changing my perception back and forth.

I focused on a group of men gathered in one of the pools. I could tell from the heaps of discarded clothing that they had been coming here for centuries. They appeared to be steeped in deep conversation. My curiosity was piqued. I jumped to the base in one fell swoop so I could listen in more closely.

“You must agree Father Escalante that it is much quieter here without all the white men disturbing our conversations.” The old man was very tan, even within the folds of his aging flesh. Or at least what once was aging flesh. “It was bad enough when Major Oakes and that damn Charlie Perkins started poking their heads around the place.” He turned his head as if looking far off into the distance. “I thought for sure we’d be stuck with them forever. “

“I certainly preferred Ms. Craig’s tenure” said the Spanish priest. “I’ve always enjoyed the sound of children’s laughter. As long as they keep to the cafe and motel while we’re enjoying the waters of course.” A smile crossed the lines of his worn face as he combed wet fingers through his long hair.

I thought about the potential of a childhood filled with laughter and smiled. I had been anticipating that since awakening at Crystal Hot Springs. I leaned in against the wall that separated me from the pools where the men were soaking so that I could hear better. I used every cell in my body to focus energy in the mens’ direction.

As I tuned in, rocks tumbled to the ground, the wall apparently crumbling from the friction of my energetic force.

Both men turned toward me, somewhat surprised. “Well hello there,” Father Escalante spoke first. “I don’t recall meeting you here before. I am Silvestre Vélez de Escalante. This is my friend Joaquin. And you are?”

I stared at them, unsure of how to respond. I could certainly understand them, but would they understand me? Could I even speak? I opened my mouth and a loud bird-like shriek came out. That wouldn’t do. I took a deep breath and calmed my nerves, silently saying a prayer for assistance.

“Maiku stranger” the other named Joaquin said as he gestured toward me with a slight bow. “Please join us in the water if you like. It’s not as hot as it used to be. We found it keeps folks away so we’ve cooled it down a bit. But don’t be fooled. It’s still powerful medicine.”

I smiled as my mouth formed new shapes and words began to flow out of it. “I’m good, thank you. I’ve had plenty of water. But I enjoy listening.”

“Don’t pay too much attention to us old men” said the priest. “We’re more cynical than we used to be.”

“Speak for yourself old man” Joaquin laughed. “I still have plenty of advice to share with folks who will listen.” He closed his eyes and continued in a deep, soft voice without skipping a beat:

“My qwe che chin taught me that” said Joaquin. I closed my eyes and listened to the words as a flood of energy danced through my body, giving me godbumps as the Ute elder spoke.

The silver bullet had finally arrived at the pools. But its inhabitants didn’t appear to be staying. The couple got out and came close, but turned around after just a few steps. It’s as if I and the men bathing weren’t even there. I wished they could see the pools and surroundings through my eyes with all the children playing, the men soaking…but they were back in the giant metal canister before they’d even tried.

“My parents are leaving. I have to go now.” I said with satisfaction as newly found words continued to breathe out of my mouth instead of shrieks. That was some consolation. I couldn’t blame my parents for not noticing. But I had just uttered my first words and they were completely deaf to it. It was so frustrating.

They seemed to catch a glimpse of me on occasion, so close I could reach out and touch them. I like to peck at my mom’s hips, wrapping around her waist in a big bear hug. But more often than not, I hang out with my dad. I like the way my mom looks at him with a big smile on her face and love-filled eyes. I like to pretend she’s looking at me with those eyes.

“You are at the beginning of another long journey my friend” said Escalante. “Don’t hesitate to call on us if you need help. We are never far away.” I thanked the men and turned to follow my parents, wondering where we were off to next.