TIME WALK



This work is copyright of Charles E. Weindorf  (1986) and may not be
posted to other electronic forums or media, or placed in print without
                the written permission of the author.
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  
     The Traveller walked through the ranks of the blue-uniformed army. 
After a while, he came upon a tall man who looked familiar.  The man's
rough beard gave him the appearance of strength, but his brown eyes and
gentle smile showed the truer traits of honesty and justice.
     "Who is that man?" the Traveller asked an old soldier.
     "Him?" exclaimed the infantryman.  "Don't you know President
Lincoln?"
     "President Lincoln..." repeated the Traveller.  The Traveller
remembered, shook his head slowly and walked to another time.
     The Traveller stood on a hill.  Below him, he saw a delicate, old
city, nestled among the rolling hills.  The peaceful sight brought warmth
to his heart, and he watched the people thrive.  After a time, he noticed
a building.  Knowing he had seen this church before, he was puzzled by
his sudden feeling of dread.  For some reason, the Traveller could not
remember any of the other structures near the church.
     "What is the name of this town?" the Traveller asked a young woman.
     "This is Hiroshima," the oriental maiden bowed.
     "Hiroshima..." repeated the Traveller.  The Traveller remembered,
shook his head slowly and walked to another time.
     The Traveller looked upon the powerful machine.  Standing on a
metal framework, it was poised to leap into the heavens on a plume of
flame and smoke.  Short, wide wings spread from the fragile bird on its
back.  This too was familiar.
     "What is the name of that machine?" the Traveller asked a freckled
boy.
     "It's a Space Shuttle," the boy said without looking away from the
craft.  "The Challenger!"
     "Challenger," repeated the Traveller.  The Traveller remembered,
shook his head and walked to another time.
     While viewing the lands and seas, the Traveller saw many familiar
things.  Still, he could not recognize this place.
     "What is the name of this planet?" the Traveller asked a little
girl.
     "This," giggled the child, "is Earth."
     "Earth..." repeated the Traveller.  The Traveller remembered, shed
a single tear and returned to his home.