The things I've seen

Son, I want you to listen to me.
I have something important to say

Yes dad

No son, really listen.
Come, sit next to me.

Ok dad

I’m not young like you, but I was once.

I know dad. If this is about the…

No son It’s not. You promised to listen.

Sorry dad…

Well, can you see I’m aging?
I’m not the same as I was before.

You look great for your age

Yes?
How old am I?

You are 10?

No son, I’m over 100 years old.

Like I said dad, you look great for your age.

In my life I have seen a lot of things.
I’ve seen a rainbow after a storm.
I’ve seen clouds that took a swim in the ocean.
I’ve seen divers find treasures only to die of sunburn.
I’ve seen captains risk their lives to save a whale and others risk a whale to save their lives.
My son, I’ve seen a lot.
Every wrinkle, every stain of rust, every hole in my crumbling body is something I’ve seen and learned.

I know dad… can I go now?

Son, you promised me you listen, will you keep your promise?

Yes dad.

Well, after all I’ve seen there is one thing I know.

What’s that dad?

I’ve learned I know nothing.
I can’t explain, and I can’t predict anything.
Life is a big storm, and we must assume we can drown in any minute.

I don’t understand.
If I know nothing, how do I know that?

Now son,
Now I know you were listening.

I think it’s my time to go.