Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: STEAM (12/03/15)
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TITLE: The Volcano's Lesson | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gary Ritter
12/05/15 -
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“You have become a grown woman, my child, my love, yet many of the ways of man continue to escape you. Gaze upon our volcano, this revered symbol of our nation’s strength. What do you see?”
“Steam rises from its mouth like it does so often.”
“What does the steam represent?”
“That which is hidden within.”
“But by itself does it mean anything?”
Malaya frowned. “No?”
“That is correct. It is vapor, a mist. As quickly as it rises, it disappears.”
“What does that have to do with this man who is coming to grace us with his presence, Grandfather?”
“His words, child. You will see. They are like the steam in the distance: empty, without substance.”
***
Malaya worked hard the early morning of the important visit. She wanted to make sure she had accomplished her tasks so as to have the time to make the journey to the city. She toted water from the river, gathered plenty of wood, and cooked extra food on the fire she made to feed Grandfather and her two children. She no longer had a husband. He had died last year at the hands of the Muslims who pushed nearer each day, killing those who professed the Christian faith. She hoped the words of their visitor would bring change, that he would tell her people that he would protect them from the violence the men of Islam professed and practiced at their expense.
Grandfather had volunteered to watch Malaya’s children, which freed her to move quickly in her long walk. Many of her countrymen joined her along the dusty road. By the time they reached the soccer stadium the crowd had swelled to an enormous size. She’d never experienced so many people gathered in one place. Those from the villages, those from the city; all enthused with great animation at the prospect of hearing such a famous world leader speak.
The hour of his appearance arrived. The stadium swelled with humanity. Huge lights from far above flooded the stage as if it were daylight. Finally, after several speeches by well-known politicians in her own country, the president of the United States made his appearance. The applause, the continuous shouts of approbation, even the blaring of the vuvuzelas, the obnoxious horns that had made their way to their island, all added to the sense of anticipation.
The president acknowledged their cheers and told them of the affinity he had with their nation, comprised as it was of thousands of islands. After many words that meant little to Malaya the president began speaking of the greatest threat facing mankind. He spoke of how he and other world leaders were taking decisive action to combat climate change and how such action could benefit their nation. He also told them how vital it was for them to reduce their carbon footprint. They had to stop the belching of smoke from factories, do a better job changing to environmentally friendly cars, and even cut smoke emissions from cooking fires. What he didn’t say was how he might help them live in greater peace from the spread of Islam and Sharia Law.
At the close of the president’s remarks the applause was noticeably less. The masses flowed out of the stadium. Those who lived in the country began making their long trek home.
The hour was late when Malaya reached her destination. Grandfather surprised her with a greeting. She had supposed he would be asleep. He had kept a small fire burning; their village had no electricity so darkness surrounded them.
“What did you learn, my love?”
“That you have much wisdom, Grandfather.”
“Ah, how is that?”
“The president spoke of things that have no meaning. They were empty words. I, and so many, hoped he would help us. Instead he scolded us for polluting the planet. We must live, we must do what we can to eke out our daily existence. Yet he berates us for trying to advance the welfare of our nation, even someone like me for daring to cook food to feed my family. It made no sense.”
“Child, you have seen our volcano in the form of a man. He spews forth steam. He fogs the air but when you wave your hand it vanishes. You have learned a wonderful lesson today: not all important men are great.
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Powerful and profound commentary and epic entry.
Excellent job with this weeks topic!
God bless~
The volcano spews forth much wisdom.