My visual interpretation of an old Taoist parable, which I have adapted below, and my second submission to Slow Down Art Camp 2025. This little story has provided me with enormous comfort over the years. I hope it does the same for you:

There once was a farmer and son who lived in the country and made very little money.

Their most valuable possession was an old horse they used to work the field, and thereby make a living. One day their horse ran away.

“What a terrible tragedy!” exclaimed their neighbor.

“Maybe,” said the farmer.

Several days later, their horse returned, bringing with it three wild horses it had befriended.

“What incredible luck!” said the neighbor.

“Maybe,” said the farmer.

Soon after, while attempting to tame one of the wild horses, the farmer’s son was thrown off, breaking his leg in the process.

“How horrible! lamented the neighbor.

“Maybe,” said the farmer.

The next week a military brigade appeared in the farmer’s village. They were there to conscript all able-bodied men into service for a newly begun war. Seeing the farmer’s son, with his broken leg, they left him behind.

“How wonderful for you!” rejoiced the neighbor.

“Maybe,” said the farmer. “Maybe.”

And so it continues…