The Heart of the Cavern

          There is a majestic cavern hidden deep within a treacherous  cave far beyond civilization. Most don't ever dare to go near it... it's far too scary. Some have heard the secrets that are held within, the beauty that is bestowed upon those that dare to venture inward and behold the cavern itself. Of those souls, few embark on the mission to seek it out. Most who encounter this cavern are weary, unaware travelers. They themselves are lost and just trying to find their way to somewhere, anywhere, and stumble upon this jewel, though that itself is a feat of its own.
          The obstacles to get to this place are just to much for most people. There are miles of uncharted terrain, hills, rocks, cliffs. There is a river you must cross with a current ready and willing to pick you up and carry you away far from this place. There are animals who are lurking around each corner, watching, waiting. There are poisonous snakes, scorpions, & deadly plants. The sun will burn you, the wind will whip you, and yet, some say it is worth the risk, while yet others argue that this place should be left alone. That it was far more beautiful before anyone stepped inside.
          You see, if you ever make it deep within the cavern you will find its walls seeming to be alive and sparkling for you. There is a light breeze that connects it to the sounds and smells of the outside world. As the breeze blows through the cavern you can hear a beautiful humming sound as vibrations are made in this place. The rock formations here are absolutely breath taking and something to behold. The walls come alive and change colors with the temperature of its surroundings. There is nothing like it. At least, that's what it used to be like.
          Over time, from the first discovery, travelers have wandered into this sanctuary and left pieces of themselves. Over in a corner you will find wrappers & water bottles tossed carelessly from quick passerbys. Some who have stayed longer have carved drawings and quotes into the walls. Although beautiful, it will never gleam as it once did. Some storms have raged in the world blowing harsh winds inward eroding parts of the formations themselves. Some did the unthinkable and broke off pieces of rock to take as souvenirs before they parted. One could argue it has turned into nothing more than a wasteland.
          A wasteland. There have been thoughts to rope off the entrance of the cave, never let another soul ruin what is left... but no one would ever be able to enjoy it ever again. Do we really want to shut it down to just preserve the damage done? No. Let the weary traveler in, for somewhere there are souls who will treasure what is left. They will not see the damage done, but rather see everything that has enhanced this place. No, it will never be the same again, but is that a bad thing? When the wind blows now, new sounds are made due to the erosion and souvenirs taken. New beautiful sounds. There is art where there was none, and it sparkles too on those gorgeous walls. Stay long enough and the colors of the cavern still come alive with each new season life brings. No, it's not time to shut things down. Add more art, leave more pieces, let world problems effect the heart of the cavern; let it affect the cavern that is MY heart.