The Original Sound

I asked an old monk,

"How long have you been here?"

"Forever," he answered.

I smiled, "Fifty years, Father?"

"Forever."

"Did you know St. Benedict?"

"We were novices together."

"Did you know Jesus?"

"He and I converse every day."

I threw away my silly smile, fell to my knees, and clutched his hand.

"Father," I whispered, "Did you hear the original sound?"

"I am listening to the original sound."

--- Tales of a Magic Monastery
Theophane the Monk
(Crossroads)