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Show house/ 445 Che people moved quietly through the streets and spoke humbly to each other, but they were/hot whipped dogs. The possibility 3f power was evident, but carefully controlled. The people even seemed to speak, as in a dream, within this suspended moment. 'We are your children,' they said to the older ones. •We wish to make you happy. ' And the older ones bowed respectfully and replied, "It is your life. Do whatever is right. Do whatever will make you happy. We all must serve the One if we wish to find happiness." And they turned together and bowed toward the great emanations of light emitting from some central paradox - a power generated by a Whole which embraced all. The City of Enoch, I thought, letting out my breath in wonder. I came aware. I stared at my father- His flesh seemed so delicate, his mouth so carefully drawn to conceal its vulnerability. He was a man! Only a man! I felt betrayed and relieved all at once. No one should hold another human being in such awe! I exhorted within myself. The words thundered inside me, molten earthquaking words. Give me liberty! Let not your heart be troubled. The truth shall set you free! He is not God. He is only a man. My knuckles were white, my jaw sore, my eyes stinging. My body was suddenly as hot and distended as a mushroom cloud. % father was sitting down. v.,-God loved without reservation. God loved me, loved Brian, had directed us to be together. My father would say that God never abridges His. own commandments. But my father was a man. I knew otherwise. I knew that my father's love had strings, , •;•, contingencies. I knew that my father could not love without reservation. „ / - •L |