Lazarus Carpenter
I have lived in Wales for over twenty five years. Born in North Yorkshire, I am now an author, actor, musician and song writer, previously being a therapist, trainer and researcher, specialising in mental health. He was educated in Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Cambridge. With a fascination for Welsh History, I create worlds within worlds; magical, haunting, spirituality permeating sound moral codes of life. I live quietly with Debbie Eve (also my illustrator and our dog, Noodle in a small cottage surrounded by the beauty of the Brecon Beacons in the Valleys of South Wales.
One misty morning in a quiet village nestled between rolling hills and dense forests, a stranger appeared seemingly from nowhere. He was tall, cloaked in a dark coat, and carried a mysterious air about him. No one knew his name, nor where he had come from, but he moved with unusual grace that caught everyone’s attention. As he wandered through the village square, something peculiar happened. The sun was shining brightly, casting sharp shadows on the cobblestones, yet the stranger’s shadow was nowhere to be seen. People stared in wonder, then in confusion. Children giggled, trying to spot the stranger’s shadow, but it was simply gone.
The stranger didn’t seem bothered by this. Instead, he continued his walk, observing everything with a gentle smile. That evening, he settled in the village inn, and when the innkeeper brought him a warm cup of tea, she couldn’t help but ask,
“Sir, why is it that you have no shadow?”
He looked at her with kind eyes and replied,
“Long ago, I was a man who chased after his dreams so fiercely that I forgot to look behind me. One day, I lost my shadow, not as a curse, but as a reminder. Shadows are the echoes of ourselves—what we leave behind. Without it, I am free from the past, free to become someone new.”
From that day on, the villagers saw the stranger in a different light. He was no longer just a mysterious visitor but a symbol of letting go of old burdens and embracing the unknown. When he eventually left the village, no one knew where he went, but they remembered his words. And as for the shadow? It never appeared, but perhaps, in some way, the stranger and his words stayed with them — a gentle reminder that sometimes, to truly move forward, we must let go of what’s behind.
Once upon a time, in a small mountain town nestled among rugged peaks, lived a man named Jacob Monroe. Born with only one leg due to a childhood accident, Jacob’s life was marked by challenges that many would deem insurmountable. Yet, his spirit was unbreakable, and his dreams as vast as the mountains he adored. From a young age, Jacob was captivated by stories of explorers and climbers conquering the world’s highest summits—Everest and K2. He watched documentaries, read countless accounts, and felt a burning desire to stand atop those giants himself. But as he grew older, he faced the harsh reality: climbing such formidable peaks seemed impossible for someone with his disability.
Undeterred, Jacob dedicated himself to training with relentless determination. He worked tirelessly on his upper body strength, honing his balance and endurance. He studied mountaineering techniques, learned from the best, and adapted equipment to suit his needs. His community doubted him, but Jacob’s resolve only grew stronger. Years passed, and Jacob’s perseverance paid off. He became a certified mountaineer, known for his extraordinary grit and innovative spirit. His journey began with smaller peaks, each conquered, fueling his confidence and skills. He faced storms, avalanches, and physical exhaustion, but his will never wavered.
At last, the day arrived when Jacob set his sights on Everest. Against all odds, he summited the world’s highest peak, standing triumphant amidst the clouds—proof that endurance and determination can defy even the most daunting barriers. His achievement inspired countless others, proving that limitations are often only in the mind. Not long after, Jacob turned his gaze to K2, the “Savage Mountain,” known for its treacherous terrain. Many seasoned climbers considered it almost impossible. But Jacob’s spirit was unyielding. With a team that believed in his vision, he attempted K2. Facing brutal weather and dangerous icefalls, he pushed forward, driven by a dream no one thought possible.
In a historic moment, Jacob reached K2’s summit, becoming the first one-legged man to conquer both Everest and K2. His journey became a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity. Jacob Monroe’s story spread worldwide, not just as a tale of mountaineering achievement, but as a beacon of hope for anyone facing their own mountains—whether physical, emotional, or mental. His message was simple yet profound: with endurance, determination, and unwavering belief, even the most impossible dreams can be realised. And so, the man who would conquer Everest and K2 with only one leg became a legend, not just for his climbs, but for reminding us all that true strength lies within.
In the serene heights of Tibet, where the air was crisp and the mountains seemed to touch the heavens, lived an ageing monk named Mi Mo Tao. His days were spent in quiet contemplation within the ancient walls of a monastery, a sanctuary built from stone and prayer, where the whispers of the wind carried the wisdom of ages. Mi Mo Tao had dedicated his life to the pursuit of enlightenment, yet as he approached the twilight of his years, a shadow loomed over his heart. Long ago, he had known love—a deep, abiding love for a woman named Lian. They had met in the valleys below the monastery, where wildflowers danced under the sun. Lian was a spirit as free as the wind and as vibrant as the blossoms that surrounded her. They shared dreams and laughter, but their paths diverged when Mi Mo Tao chose the path of the monk, surrendering worldly attachments in search of spiritual truth.
Years passed, and Lian married another, starting a family of her own. Though Mi Mo Tao had found solace in meditation, the ache of unfulfilled love lingered in his heart. Every time he closed his eyes, he could see her smile, hear her laughter, and feel the warmth of her presence. The memories, once a source of joy, became a bittersweet reminder of what he had forsaken.
One autumn evening, as the sun dipped behind the mountains, casting a golden hue over the monastery, Mi Mo Tao sat in meditation. The wind carried a familiar melody, a song that Lian used to sing. It stirred something deep within him, awakening feelings he thought he had buried long ago. Overwhelmed, he opened his eyes and gazed out at the horizon, where the sky met the earth in a breathtaking embrace. In that moment of vulnerability, Mi Mo Tao felt the weight of his sadness transform. He realised that love was not something to be abandoned but instead integrated into his being. Love, he understood, was a teacher, illuminating the path to compassion and understanding. It was not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound connection that transcended time and space. Inspired, he began to write. With each stroke of his brush, he poured his heart onto parchment, weaving tales of love and loss, of joy and sorrow. He wrote of Lian, not as a source of pain but as a reminder of the beauty that love brings, even in its absence. His words resonated with the other monks, who gathered to listen, finding solace in his stories. They began to see their own struggles reflected in his tales, and together they discovered the healing power of vulnerability and shared experience.
As the days turned into months, Mi Mo Tao’s heart lightened. He spoke openly of love, encouraging his fellow monks to embrace their feelings rather than shy away from them. They practised compassion, not just for others, but for themselves, understanding that their own hearts were worthy of love and care. One day, while walking through the valley, Mi Mo Tao encountered an elderly woman weeping by a stream. He approached her gently, offering his presence, and she shared her story of loss and regret. In her sorrow, he recognised a glimpse of his own past. He listened intently, and as he did, a sense of peace washed over him. It was in these moments of connection that he truly grasped the essence of enlightenment—not in the absence of pain, but in the acceptance of it.
Years later, when Mi Mo Tao’s time drew near, he sat in the same spot where he had once felt the weight of his unfulfilled love. The mountains stood as witnesses to his journey, and as he closed his eyes for the last time, he felt Lian’s spirit beside him, not as a ghost of the past, but as a radiant presence of love. In that final moment, he understood: love, in all its forms, was the path to enlightenment. The monastery, once a place of solitary reflection, became a beacon of love and compassion, where monks shared their stories and embraced their humanity. Mi Mo Tao’s legacy lived on, not just in his teachings but in the hearts of those who learned that true enlightenment lies in embracing love, both joyful and sorrowful, and in the connections we forge along the way.
In the late 1970s, the seaside town of Scarborough was buzzing with the sound of roaring engines and the chatter of youth. Among the throngs of weekend visitors and locals, there was a tight-knit group known as the Lambretta Posse. They were proud, rebellious, and fiercely loyal to their scooters — classic Lambrettas painted in vibrant colours, adorned with chrome accessories, and customised with the latest decals.
Not far away, from the bustling streets of Essex, came the rival Vespa Posse. Known for their sleek, stylish Vespas and sharp dressing, they carried an air of calm confidence. Their reputation preceded them — a group that thrived on friendly competition and loved their scooters.
One summer, as the sun dipped low and the beach at Cleethorpes stretched endlessly along the coast, the two gangs decided to meet — not for trouble, but for a legendary showdown that would become the stuff of local folklore. The Lambretta Posse arrived first, their scooters gleaming in the golden light. They revved engines and played their favourite tunes through portable speakers, creating a carnival atmosphere. Then, from the horizon, the Vespa Posse rolled in, their Vespas polished to perfection, their jackets and scarves fluttering in the sea breeze. What began as a friendly gathering soon turned into a spirited contest of style, speed, and tricks. The Lambrettas performed daring stunts — wheelies, jumps, and synchronised spins — while the Vespas responded with their own slick moves and intricate manoeuvres. The crowd on the beach cheered and clapped, caught up in the excitement. Though the rivalry was fierce on the surface, everyone knew it was all in good fun. The real victory was in the camaraderie and shared love for scooters, as well as the freedom they represented. As the sun set, both gangs gathered together, sharing stories and swapping parts and tips.
From that day on, the legend of the Lambretta Posse versus Vespa Posse became a symbol of youthful spirit, friendship, and the timeless charm of scooter culture. Every summer, they would meet again at Cleethorpes, celebrating their differences and shared passions beneath the endless sky. And so, the tale lives on — a reminder that sometimes, rivalry can bring people together in the most unexpected ways, forging memories that last a lifetime.
Once upon a time, in a lush, vibrant jungle teeming with life, there lived a spirited boy named Kavi. He had an unbreakable bond with two remarkable friends: a clever monkey named Miko and a gentle elephant named Elara. Together, they roamed the emerald canopies and winding rivers, exploring every nook and cranny of their beloved home.
One sunny morning, while playing by a sparkling stream, Kavi noticed something strange. The air was thick with tension, and the usual sounds of the jungle seemed muted. As they ventured deeper into the forest, they stumbled upon a gathering of animals—birds, deer, and even the wise old tortoise. They were all anxious, their eyes filled with fear.
“What’s wrong?” Kavi asked, kneeling beside a trembling fawn.
“It’s the humans,” the fawn whispered. “They’re coming to cut down the trees! Our home is in danger!”
Kavi felt a surge of determination. “We can’t let that happen! We have to protect our jungle!”
Miko swung from a branch and chattered excitedly. “We’ll use our skills! I can gather information and distract them. Elara can help with her strength, and you, Kavi, can rally everyone!”
Elara nodded, her large eyes filled with wisdom. “Together, we can create a plan.”
That night, the trio sat under the stars, devising their strategy. Miko would scout the area for the humans and their machines, while Elara would gather the animals to form a united front. Kavi would lead them in a peaceful protest to show the humans the beauty of their home.
The next day, Miko dashed through the trees, his nimble body weaving effortlessly among the branches. He spotted the humans setting up camp at the edge of the jungle, their chainsaws gleaming ominously in the sunlight. He returned to Kavi and Elara, breathless but determined.
“They’re getting ready to start cutting tomorrow!” Miko exclaimed. “We need to act fast!”
That evening, Kavi called together all the animals of the jungle. They gathered at a clearing where the moonlight bathed the forest in silver. Kavi stood on a rock, his heart pounding, but his voice steady.
“Friends! Our home is in danger, but together we can save it! Tomorrow, we will show the humans how much this jungle means to us. We will stand united!”
As dawn broke, the jungle was alive with activity. Elara, with her mighty presence, rallied the larger animals, while Miko flitted about, spreading the word to every corner of the forest. Kavi painted vibrant signs made from leaves and flowers, each one depicting the beauty of their home and the message: “Save Our Jungle!”
When the humans arrived the next morning, they were met not with fear, but with a magnificent display of unity. Animals of all shapes and sizes lined the path, their eyes shining with hope. Kavi stood at the forefront, holding up a sign that read, “This is our home—please don’t take it away!”
The humans paused, taken aback by the sight. Miko swung down from the tree and began performing acrobatic tricks, drawing laughter and attention. Elara trumpeted, her voice echoing through the jungle, reminding everyone of the strength of their bond. The humans, witnessing the resilience and beauty of the jungle and its inhabitants, began to reconsider their actions. They saw the vibrant life surrounding them, the intricate balance of the ecosystem, and the fear in the eyes of the creatures who called it home. After a tense moment, the human leader stepped forward.
“We didn’t realise how much this forest means to you. We will rethink our plans.”
Cheers erupted from the animals as they celebrated their victory. The humans, moved by the display of unity and love for the jungle, decided to leave the forest untouched. From that day forward, Kavi, Miko, and Elara became guardians of the jungle, ensuring that its beauty would be preserved for future generations. The bonds they forged that day with their fellow creatures became stronger, and their home thrived once more, a testament to the power of friendship and the fight for what is right. And so, the jungle remained a sanctuary of life, where every creature had a voice, and every sound echoed the spirit of unity that saved their home.
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 