I have seen the beginning and end of time. It first appeared on the steep slope of a volcanic crater perhaps a quarter-mile distant and flowed toward us in the form of a giant bull elephant. His gait was such that he moved without moving, a majestic fluid passing silent and determined. Time is like that. Evidence of his seasons reflected in huge, polished tusks worn on the ends from mining red clay banks for essential minerals. His right ear was ragged and cleft from an encounter with mortality. He marched steadily forward passing between our two safari vehicles, glancing in our direction only once.
