Ode to Pearl
In the Great After, which is also the Great Before, Pearlessence sat in waiting outside of the doors of the Decider. She was weary. Her last escapade in the mortal realm was alongside the Otoe people of the Nemaha River. They had called her Kohana which meant swift. She had no owners, she belonged to the tribe itself, but it was Chumani who had always been kindest to Pearlessence.
Chumani had lived seven winters. She had always spent more time with the animals than with the children her age. When Chumani couldn’t find a bison or a turkey to follow, she’d dig up worms and watch them bury themselves back into the earth. Often, at her side, sat Kohana. Kohana sat at Chumani’s side when the white man’s bugle call announced their imminent attack.
Through the rows of their earth covered houses, the horses galloped as rifle shots echoed through the air. A young man, on his first massacre, grinned as he bore down on Chumani. Kohana leapt from a rooftop. A searing pain erupted across that young man’s face as Kohana tore into it. The horse veered, as Chumani found her feet and ran, then toppled, crushing the young man and Kohana underneath it. Kohana saw Chumani fleeing into the distance as she took her last breath.
So Pearlessence sat, enjoying the stillness of the purgatorial waiting room. There were other dogs here, but this was not a place of frolic. These dogs did not bark. Many lay on the mats lined along the floor. Others drank slowly from the springs against the walls, or ate from the long tables of sumptuous fare. Pearlessence did not feel hunger or thirst. Her name was called and Pearlessence rose, stretched, and entered the den of The Decider.
The Decider rose as Pearlessence entered, and motioned to the pillow next to her own. “Please,” she said, “sit.”
So Pearlessence sat.
“Good girl,” said The Decider, “Who’s a good girl?”
Pearlessence responded with the customary, “I’m a good girl,” before continuing. “Decider, what is my next mission?”
“Well, let’s see what we’ve done so far, shall we? You recall your first mission, I’m sure.”
A ball of light flickered to life above the Decider’s head. They both turned to look at it. An image arose; Pearlessence sleeping at the entrance to a cave. A baby is crying in the background. A low growl rumbles, a cat of incredible stature leaps into the scene and Pearlessence, in the form of a massive wolf, leaps towards it without hesitation.
“Your next mission, in the war between the Zhou and Shang at Muye.”
The scene arose of a massive battle, Tens of thousands of Zhou soliders racing towards the Shang. Pearlessence, looking very much like a dingo, raced alongside King Wu himself. A Shang soldier appears as if out of nowhere and sails a spear towards the king. Pearlessence leapt in the air, taking the spear, and saving the king’s life.
“After that battle, the Shang Dynasty ended and the Zhou began. So many were saved from starvation, peace settled across the land, and Confuscianism and Taoism, pillars of thousands of years of subsequent philosophy arose. Let’s go on.”
Her missions flickered across the ball.
Pearlessence protecting her own babies against a family of wolves.
Pearlessence in Nepal, serving as the earthly counterpart of Yama, guardian to the doors of heaven, bringing comfort and solace to those who had lost their loved ones.
Pearlessence rescuing pilots who had been shot down over the ocean in WWI.
Scene after scene, life after life. In each, Pearlessence fought for good, protected against evil, and dedicated herself to the people around her. Not every life ended in bloodshed, but many did. Those that didn’t were not easy lives either. Each was a life of intent, of bravery, of sacrifice. Each was a life that benefitted the world around her. The ball faded away.
“You have accomplished much, young Pearl,” said The Decider.
“It has been an honor,” she replied.
“I have decided that your next life will serve as a reward.”
Pearlessence cocked her head, “I don’t understand. Is this, a retirement? I still have much to give.”
“No, it is not retirement. I meant what I said. You will still serve.”
“But what service is there in being a simple pet?”
The Decider’s eyes widened, “You still have much to learn, Pearlessence. You have always lived lives that resulted in the benefit of others to the detriment of your own health. You have always been expected to be the warrior, the defender, the sacrificial lamb. It will always be in your nature to benefit those around you, but there is another way. Instead of simply ensuring that the lives of others go on by dying, you can bring joy to those lives by living.”
Pearlessence paused. “This is a very different mission. Who will I be serving?”
The ball of light appeared again above the Deciders massive head. In it were two people, clearly in love. They teased each other, laughing and feigning outrage. It was a picture of happiness. The ball of light faded away.
“They already seem so happy,” noted Pearlessence, “what can be gained by my presence in their life?”
The Decider smiled. “As I said, this is in part a reward, that they are often so happy is a gift for you. However, your service will not be without purpose.
“Humans often work long hours each day. They require the anticipation of happiness, comfort, and familiarity to get through their days. You will give them this. While they toil, they will think of you and be happy.
“In those days and hours they do not work, it will be you they structure their days around. These two find joy in walks through woods and mountains, in trips in their car, in camping beneath the stars, you will augment this joy. You will elevate. And not only for them, but their friends and families as well.”
Pearlessence smiled herself, “I don’t understand all of it, but I believe I understand the assignment. I thank you, oh great one.”
“It is I who should thank you Pearlessence. Do you have any other questions before you begin?”
Pearlessence thought, and finally she asked, “What of the next assignment?”
“Worry not regarding the future. It is the nature of this assignment that all that matters is the present. When they are away, you will revel in your anticipation of their return. When they are with you, bliss will be all encompassing. Your next mission, whatever its nature, will come, for now you are obligated to a life a happiness. Your own and the two humans you will serve. Are you ready, Pearlessence?”
The smile returned to her face. “I am.”
The ball of light appeared again. It grew in size until it had swallowed Pearlessence into itself. Pearlessence’s mind went blank. When she awoke once more, she heard a soft voice. Cooing, it said, “Such an adorable little girl. Let’s take her home, can we?”
*τέλος*
Topic: Beatrice Domond pro for FA very soon (Read 518157 times)