processions

Before delving into the book, the reader should imagine a vast meadow at the foot of a mountain. There, two men meet unexpectedly: an old man and a young boy. The first has come from the city, the second from the forest. The old man walks with faltering steps, leaning on his staff with a trembling hand. The lines on his face and the flowing gray of his hair speak of a man weathered by time, who knows the secrets and essence of life, and has tasted its bitterness, leading him to pessimism. The old man reaches the meadow and lies down on the grass to rest. A handsome young man, his skin tanned by the sun and radiant with life‘s joy and exuberance, emerges from the forest carrying his flute. He walks to the old man‘s resting place and lies down beside him. Not a moment of silence passes before they begin to talk. The old man shares his views on life through his pessimistic eyes and seasoned experience, and the young man responds, explaining life through his joyful and optimistic eyes.