“The Valley of the Flowers-Part 2”

“After refreshing himself with some water taken from the stream running along the pathway, Theo continued forward. He reached a confluence of hillsides completely covered, in all directions, for a distance of at least a quarter mile, with pale orange, lemon-yellow, lavender-blue, and bright tangerine-hued flowers. The perfume of these flowers overpowered him. Their combined scents enwrapped him like an aromatic cloak. Their aromas hung so heavy in the air that they felt almost tangible, as if he might grab hold of them and rub them into his skin. These perfumes literally intoxicated the pilgrim. He lost the ability to think and to move. He could not even remember his own name! For the fragrant power that they wielded, these acres of flowers might have been opium poppies that had somehow magically released their potent contents to the wind. All that Theo could do was smile. He stood transfixed, his eyes on the multicolored scene in front of him. All thoughts, all memories had disappeared. There was only this single moment, this forever of now, this fantastic beauty, and this inebriating redolence.”