Out in the farmlands of Kansas where my parents grew up, I found a cave in the fields. I held a candle as light while exploring this opening in the earth. I came across a dusty manuscript scroll, and when opened, an old Chinese man appeared and said he would reveal the magic held within. He warned that because of my western cultural upbringing, I may doubt or feel squeamish about some of the requirements for concocting these cures. He was a well-known master Chinese physician...my innermost instincts verified this. I would do as he said.
first I must use a special instrument for measuring. It looked like a tobacco pipe, yet the bowl part looked like it was carved from the knot of a tree. He held out a pouch and asked me to take out one scoop with the pipe. I would have only one chance, he said. I dipped the pipe in and managed to fetch a 3/4 scoop of the ruddy orange-colored powder within. This is powdered snake, he told me. It's very deadly--but can be powerful medicine when combined correctly with other ingredients.
Next, he said, I would have to hunt down a large lizard and use a sharp knife to cut half of his left eye-lid off, then collect his right eye. I must leave him living.
As the doctor predicted, my reaction was of horror and resistance to this request. I did not want to harm a lizard like that, and couldn't imagine cutting into an eyelid, or scooping out a living creature's eyeball.
The doctor was very patient, and without speaking, telepathically told me that I would soon find this cure crucial, and that I had better start to look at this situation through his cultural perspective and leave mine behind.
I bowed and asked for his pardon... I would do as he said.
I soon found a lizard and took a sharp steel knife from my pocket. I do not remember this part where I collect the requested bits from the lizard, but it happened.
This was the end of my first lesson, so I left and walked back toward the barns and farmhouse where we were staying. Hildegard Von Bingen vocal music was swirling through the warm air around me.
Carl, Geoff and a crowd of others were standing outside... I could feel that they were greatly concerned about something. Carl tells me that his girlfriend, Elise, has a large gash on her foot that has become so infected that she very well may die of gangrene, as the infection has spread up her leg and to her heart.
I said I knew a cure.
