Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Old Gods in a New Age
The following parable is excerpted from The Book of The Night Jaguar.
And Caleb the Progenitor, naked but for Blood and Spear turned and walked down the temple steps and out into the jungle. He traveled three days and nights unimpeded by any creature. On the dawn of the fourth day he walked into a small village and collapsed at the door of an old woman who was attended by many cats. The old woman gave him food and drink and a simple bed where he slept for two days warmed and watched over by many cats. When Caleb awoke the old woman gave him simple garments to cover his body and old shoes to protect his feet. She returned to him and the Sacred Spear which she had wrapped in cloth and hidden beneath the bed where he slept. Caleb said to the old woman, “You have been too kind to me, grandmother, as you do not know me and yet despite the strangeness of my appearance and the mystery of my origin you opened your heart and gave me aid. I am shamed that I have nothing with which to repay you for your generosity.”
The old woman smiled and shook her grey head. She said to Caleb, “I have always taken care of the strays. I share my roof and my food with them. I tend to their wounds and I bury them when tending is not enough. In exchange they keep the mice from my pantry and trouble from my door. They give me their warmth and their company and their love. My womb gave me no children but look how many I have now. They may not look like me, but nor do I look like them and yet we share a home and a heart. You are merely a stray who looks more like me. Your thanks are more than enough because I know you give them from your heart.”
And Caleb embraced the old woman and said, “I must thank you again, grandmother, for your wisdom is great and you honor me with it. May the Blessing of The Great Cat be ever upon you.” And so Caleb left the village and began the long journey back to the house of his Chief.
And Caleb the Progenitor, naked but for Blood and Spear turned and walked down the temple steps and out into the jungle. He traveled three days and nights unimpeded by any creature. On the dawn of the fourth day he walked into a small village and collapsed at the door of an old woman who was attended by many cats. The old woman gave him food and drink and a simple bed where he slept for two days warmed and watched over by many cats. When Caleb awoke the old woman gave him simple garments to cover his body and old shoes to protect his feet. She returned to him and the Sacred Spear which she had wrapped in cloth and hidden beneath the bed where he slept. Caleb said to the old woman, “You have been too kind to me, grandmother, as you do not know me and yet despite the strangeness of my appearance and the mystery of my origin you opened your heart and gave me aid. I am shamed that I have nothing with which to repay you for your generosity.”
The old woman smiled and shook her grey head. She said to Caleb, “I have always taken care of the strays. I share my roof and my food with them. I tend to their wounds and I bury them when tending is not enough. In exchange they keep the mice from my pantry and trouble from my door. They give me their warmth and their company and their love. My womb gave me no children but look how many I have now. They may not look like me, but nor do I look like them and yet we share a home and a heart. You are merely a stray who looks more like me. Your thanks are more than enough because I know you give them from your heart.”
And Caleb embraced the old woman and said, “I must thank you again, grandmother, for your wisdom is great and you honor me with it. May the Blessing of The Great Cat be ever upon you.” And so Caleb left the village and began the long journey back to the house of his Chief.
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