Milomi's world

In fiction, monsters are immortal. In myths, gods are immortal. Yet in life, we are mortal. Sure, immortality sounds tempting, but why would you choose that when you have the privilege of being mortal? Of being human.

If one is immortal, then he can’t be killed. He will not die. But will live to see deaths. He will live to see raging wars, new generations. He will lose friends as fast as he made them. He won’t appreciate the simple beauty of life.

Then again, why would I be mortal? Why would I live to know that I’m going to die one day? And that all that I go through is just a tiny fraction of life that is going on? That if life is a platter of food, I’m only nibbling at a small piece, never to taste the rest?

Why then, am I implying that I’m proud to be mortal? I think that mortals have one thing that immortals don’t have. And it is courage. Bravery. We are ready to give up our lives for a good cause. We are ready to die in battle if it means that you helped in winning. We are ready to say goodbye to the world because we know that the day is going to come sooner or later.

I would be lying if I said I’m not afraid of death. Quite a few of us are. I’m just saying that immortals know that they can’t die. They can live a million stories and see a million stars being born and dying. But they don’t know what is it to die. They don’t know the bravery one needs to give up everything.

What we don’t seem to realise is that somewhere inside ourselves, even we can be immortal. Not as in living forever. Or seeing eternities pass by. But as in the fleeting moment of joy when we feel that anything is possible. That moment when we crossed the finish line, before congratulations are showered upon us. That moment when you achieve your goal, and you believe that nothing can stop you. That moment when you are hurtling down the lanes on your bicycle with not a worry on your mind as you startle the pigeons nearby. That moment when you win a game and when you hug your teammates. That moment when you are flooding with happiness and when you can’t be pushed down.

That is when we are immortal. Even if it’s only for a few seconds. That is what a mortal’s immortality is. That is what our immortality is.

Written by
Milomi.