The Assignment

Someplace nowhere Where the hour is always noon A guide took council with the brightest pupils that could behold Them The guide gave each a gift: A bag made of the finest silk With a clasp made of the purest gold Each received a different size built to hold the prize of their soul’s destiny And a charge with which to put it to use: “You will each travel and explore a plane of creation filled with many more gifts go there and when you are called to return here, You will bring back in your vessels that in which you discover Your fulfillment.” Each pupil was called back in their own time Silken sacks filled with Precious stones of the earth, Books of the highest knowledge Keepsakes of love and loss Iron tools crafted for work and war “Well done,” each were told Bags emptied again to continue their search, growing more weary with every journey they sometimes traded bags, which they were permitted to do, to attempt the greatest feat or discover treasures more discreet. One being, when they arrived again whose sack was small since they began gave the guide an empty vessel, the seam torn open though not a single stain of evidence it had ever held a thing. Other beings whispered rumors of their folly: “Their exhaustion has turned to violence!” “They tried to carry more than their vessel could hold!” “They tried to sell their clasp of gold!” The guide bid them, “Explain yourself.” The being replied, “Well, I once attempted wealth, I longingly fished for wisdom, I clung to memories with deepest devotion, I strived to build something of my own, and I grew so tired I knew I couldn’t bear another load. So I cut my vessel wide, So all could pass it through, and I’d always have room to be filled again.” The guide smiled. “You’ve understood.”