The Fall Of The Wolf

A person could easily define their life and ideals with the value system set forth in the Jungle Book. Whether you favor the tried and true paper and ink, or prefer the sugar-coated Disney version, enrichment will be at hand. Good life lessons await you, whether it's living your life with only the purest essentials, or making those necessary stands against ardent foes. You can't go wrong with those fine levels of morality.

One that comes to mind today is the fall of the wolf. To witness the mighty head of the pack stumble in an effort to catch his prey. The ultimate metaphor for falling from grace. No longer fit to lead. No longer strong in the eyes of your kin. Stripped of dignity and self pride, simply because age shanked you from the back.

We've all seen it happen, though few ever want to admit it. Watched our heroes and role models slip and stumble as we journey closer to loss, liver spots, and death. Seen that those attitudes and decisions that once appeared so powerful truly do have their consequences. That maybe, they're not as smart as you thought, or not as open minded. That maybe they're a bit more scared then you ever considered. Or the good jollies that come from the realization that they have simply become stubborn old people.

Some are inclined to defend the actions of their idols. To stand beside them through thick and thin. Those folks make an honest, heartfelt effort to try and wrap their noodles around the decisions of their heroes. And I have no contempt for these people, for I too love a bit of bliss. But, I am a realist, and I know how the game goes down. It starts as blind affinity, but sooner or later, enough of who you are conflicts with who your heroes are turning into. Reality sets in, and you realize that your idols are not perfect.

This is the natural way of things, the circle of life. Those that meet your expectations of greatness must eventually fall on their faces. It's not a slap on their faces, mind you. Simply the result of getting older and making the decisions that benefit your life. Who you marry, what you do, and all those wacky little things to push you on one side of the invisible line. As you become the person you need to be, the act of looking back at those poor fallen souls who contributed to your greatness is almost a rite of maturity.

One would think you could look back upon them with a sense of graciousness and comfort. Take stock of your life and be glad they were apart of it in some small way. But, it never seems to work out that way does it? Instead, you're left with an empty sad feeling. You made it to the top of your mountain, and there you stand all alone. No one to stand at your side, throw a muscle-bound arm over your shoulder and say, "We made it. Good job kid." I'm certainly not perfect, few are, but as I get closer to that peak, I almost feel as if I have no one to encourage me those last few steps. It's a bit lonely.

Are there ways to keep your heroes from ever tumbling? Sure there is. They could die.

Yup, death is a foolproof maker of heroic legend. It's the equivalent of sticking them in amber and admiring them for years to come. You've studied who they are, taken in their whole history, and can sleep soundly knowing that nothing about them should ever change.

Naturally, this comes with it's own type of loneliness. Plus, the idea of wishing death to my role models seems cruel and heartless. No, perhaps it's better to let nature do what it must. To let the wolf fall, so to speak. Just remember, they need your support as much as you needed theirs. Despite the fact that you two are parting ways, they're still decent people. Assuming of course they're not out committing murder, doing damage or raping kittens, they still can be respectable. Hell, it's possible they might take a life lesson or two from you someday. Give you that chance to push them up their own mountains. Head of the pack, it could be you.

Just watch your step.