Flesh & Spirit
"Oh lord
Karnak , greatest of all the gods. Why do you allow your high priest and most
faithful servant so brief a span upon this earth?" Shovanni raised his arms wide and gazed into
the sky. "Why can I not live longer
beneath the sun and enjoy the bounty of youth throughout my lifespan?"
"Mmm
row ruff ruff," the tiny black Chihuahua
"I
do, lord Karnak ," he sat down and ruffled
the dog's fur, stroking her gently. She
climbed up his raiment, licked his face and wagged her tail, combing his beard
with her claws.
"You
are fond of her are you not?" The
god spoke and gained form against the backcloth of an ultramarine blue sky.
"Truly
I am, my Lord," Shovanni answered as he gazed up fearfully at Karnaks
image blooming in the sky. Saphi was
unconcerned, chewing at her master's beard growling with contentment.
"I
can see she is dearly beloved and returns your love in equal measure. You have always shown great affection for the
canine species," his visage wore a benevolent smile.
"That
is also true my Lord."
"Tell
me Shovanni, my faithful companion on earth.
How many dogs have been your companions throughout your life?"
"Five
thus far my Lord. Tansi, Drammi, Poppi,
Benji and Saphi," tears came to his eyes, as he called to mind the memories of each companion.
"Why
so sad?"
"They
were good and faithful companions, but their life spans were so brief, a mere twelve to
sixteen years."
"Then
they died?" Shovanni said nothing. "They
live a full and happy life and when they became sick, wracked with pain you
ended their suffering mercifully did you not?"
"Ay
that is true Lord," he looked dejected, eyes downcast.
"That
was good. You acted in the best interest
of your companions despite your own sadness and feelings of loss."
"If
I loved them, I had to spare them the misery of a failing body and mind. If I could, I would have extended their lives
but, not their pain."
"That
is the way of all flesh Shovanni, my good companion. All living things have a span of years,
beyond which they deteriorate and expire, in spite of the desires of gods and
men." Karnak 's image now looked sad, as
he thought of all the men who had been his earthly companions. He'd witnessed Shovanni's birth and dedication
to his service. He knew at Shovanni's first
cries that this question would arise. "You
have taught your son his duties as your successor?"
"Yes
lord Karnak .
He is ready."
"Bring
him to me when you feel it is time to relinquish your ties with the flesh. You will then be welcome to join me here in my
world of the spirit. Here you will join
your predecessors and live on forever."
"How can that be lord? My body will be consigned to the ground, food for worms."
"Think on the humble caterpillar that eats to create a cocoon, its life done. Then it bursts forth and takes to the sky in a wonderful new guise?"
"I cannot believe humans capable of such a metamorphosis lord."
"Then ask a caterpillar if he is aware of the wonderful new existence that awaits him..."
500 words
