The Flow of Life is admittedly quite strong in these parts. The above mentioned poem provides a lovely phonetic perspective on the strength of current in these particular waters experienced at the Gates of Lodore and we encourage you to explore it. 

In matter of fact, we believe the water overflowed its banks so severely as to cause a disruption in the time space continuum and it is not entirely clear where or when we are. While the references to raging water most certainly indicate The Gates of Lodore, we believe the parties may have been west of that location, in what was once known as the state of Utah, United States of America. Both homo sapiens’ arbitrary bureaucratic boundaries drawn to define these so-called “states” as well as their significant flow changes in the natural waterways of this region to control access to its life-giving water, make an exact location difficult to ascertain. 

At this point, many Readers will discover they have actually been experiencing waves of emotions and energy flooding through parts of their physical body. This may be experienced as goose bumps or even yawns. Just as the waters of the rivers rage, so does the energy in motion inside of us because as We know, what is without is within. Each soul has come to their own conclusions over time of how this all works of course, but that does not change the One and only Truth that it Is. When in doubt, our best advice is to pick a good line, close your eyes and surrender to the current completely.

In order to control the rivers’ rage, homo sapiens constructed massive engineering marvels to control them. It is even rumored that these great dams that powered the industrial agricultural revolution contributed directly to a record rise in the number of human artery and heart blockages. We can not say clearly that one led to the other, else we be accused of that rhetorical fallacy post hoc ergo propter hoc (after therefore because). We can only note that record dams and record chemicals and impurities in the late twentieth and early twenty first centuries did not contribute positively to the evolution of humans, water or any cohabiting species on the planet called Earth. And in fact, nearly resulted in complete and utter destruction of the species. Fortunately for humans, it was only homo sapien that was left to the history books and homo spiritus continues to thrive.

We see mention of a Queen Ann in these parts, but do not believe royalty were common. More likely it is Ann Bassett of Browns Park, Colorado. Her companion Butch is likely Butch Cassidy of Beaver, Utah. Both were known outlaws in the lore of some of the inhabitants of what was once known as the American West. Because of the abundance of passionate tales surrounding these mysterious people told by those who hold on so firmly to their own Truths, we find disputing accounts of their lives, whereabouts or transitions between time and space even now.

We can also say that Elliot did not yet fully understand her own role in creating the flooding waters she herself experienced in this chapter. You see, the fallacy “after therefore because” can never actually be true because “after” does not actually follow “before.” And if there is only one eternal present moment, what causality could actually be considered definitive?

Our souls follow trajectories beyond the bounds of birth and death for which many are still seeking answers. This is a good time to remind you dear Reader whether you are navigating this book or life, it is important to unlearn what you may have learned previously. Do not be afraid to venture into the Cloud of Unknowing. May we let go of whatever attachments and beliefs, pain and suffering may be causing Us to repeat patterns of our collective past and move forward into the darkness with ease and grace.

Many humans are in a continuous state of dis-ease because We do not fully understand this key Truth. Our problems are so much more easily solved by looking inward rather than outward. Let our search for Divine Truth begin in the Peace and Wonder we find inside. May everything we do to clean and heal ourselves, our blood, our hearts, our breath and our souls result in ripples of love and healing to those around Us. May the Spirits of Light and Love and all divine things guide every step of our journey so that We might all experience Heaven on Earth.

Let it be so.

And so it is.

Amen.

Your humble servant,
Ashley Clarke
Asst Librarian, Fifth Corps