Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: FAITHFULNESS (10/07/21)
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TITLE: Simon's Burden | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sue Botte
10/14/21 -
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In the desert Negev temperatures reach well over 93° F at times. The reflecting heat from the sand and the bleak mountains intensified the heat.
On the outskirts of the town, Oron, district Negev the walled estate of Mr Rapacious, a known businessman is situated.
It was on a harsh summer’s day when Lazarus approached the gatepost in dire need. His legs were dragging, his stomach rumbled. His tongue licked over his parched cracked lips, he did not register the taste of blood on his tongue.
Lazarus could see the outline of the wall, and the silhouette of the fruit trees behind the wall.
I can see it, I am almost there.
The skin on his fingers was dry and cracked. With both hands, he reached out to touch the gatepost, supporting himself. He turned his aching and dehydrated body to slide down to sit just left of the post at the opening side of the gate. The stray dogs of the town followed him. When he finally sat down, they licked the sores on his legs.
“Hey! You can’t sit here.” A guard shouted at him.
Lazarus, his limbs sore and twitching, oblivious to the guard’s words, started to sing. He praised the Lord. He reached his destination as instructed by God himself.
On hearing him sing, they paid no further attention to him.
Lazarus raised an arm. The words, “Yes Lord” were heard.
Lazarus saw the owner of the estate, Mr Rapacious on a daily basis. He left at daybreak to attend to his businesses, he returned at dusk. Lazarus leaned against the gatepost as he cupped his hands and begged him for food.
“Master, I ask a few crumbs that falls from your table, please.” Lazarus cupped his hands together; with one hand brought his fingertips together and put it on his lips.
“Go away, you!” With his thumb and forefinger, Mr Rapacious pressed on either side of his nose. In his world, Lazarus was expendable.
“Hurry up!” He shouted to the charioteer.
Still, Lazarus sang praises to the Lord and still the words “Yes Lord” were heard every so often.
I will stay here Lord, for as long as you need me to stay.
A family member of one of the guards named Simon took pity on Lazarus. One night he brought him water and a morsel of dry bread; it was what he could spare.
Mr Rapacious continued to turn a blind eye.
“You are forbidden to give the beggar food or water.” He shouted to the guards.
Lazarus’ dehydrated and famished body, covered in septic sores, weakened rapidly.
Still he sang praises. Still he raised an arm; mostly he could only lift a hand, the words “Yes Lord,” barely audible.
A fig, a date or an olive, one grape, a half rotten pomegranate would do.
His leg muscles and arms were too weak to push himself up against the gatepost to beg for a morsel or some form of moisture. He could no longer chase away the dogs.
One morning the guard, Simon, who secretly enjoyed Lazarus’s singing and praising of the Lord, became concerned when he felt something in his day was amiss. Cautiously he looked at the house of his master, then stepped outside of the gate.
Lazarus is silent, his chest is not moving. Even the dogs are gone.
The guard summoned the proper authorities.
When Mr Rapacious was informed of the demise of Lazarus, his only response was:
“Good riddance!”
Simon went home when his shift was over. His wife became concerned when she saw his colorless face, a sadness hanging over him.
She reached out to him.
“What is wrong Simon?” She handed him his cup of water.
“The old beggar, Lazarus, the one your cousin gave a morsel to, died during the night.”
“So I heard.”
“And the master was faithful to himself only, turning a blind eye every time Lazarus begged him for a crumb from his table. He forbade us to even give him a drink of water. Lazarus was faithful to God until the end. I hope God forgives me.”
Simon’s eyes filled with tears. He clung to his wife; together they asked God for forgiveness.
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You have some great descriptions here
One bit of red ink:
I was a bit confused as to who was telling the story.
If you get rock solid on your Point of View - this story will soar!
Blessings
Anyway! I detect a real word-smith writer here. I hope you keep at it.
That is why we enter each week isn't it? To work on our words.