Day of Compassion

    by Snipe

It would seem
the entire island
has arrived to witness
the ceremony

The Hall of Ancients
is filled to capacity
and spills over to the streets

All of Waterfall City
is decorated with flowers
and displays the alizarine banners
that signify
the Day of Compassion

The excited crowd is hushed
by the sound-
a single flute
relays a simple haunting
melody
that echoes and carries
past the vaulted ceilings
of the great hall
out into the streets
and throughout the island

A group of islanders
human and saurian
young and old
file onto the stage

An elder statesman
takes to the podium
and speaks eloquently
on the virtues of compassion

He turns to the group on stage
and announces them to be
this years recipients

To be recognized
for their ongoing compassion
towards their fellow islanders
He approaches each in turn
and bestows the alizarine crimson sash
each is given a blown glass heart-
the symbol of selfless beauty

Without cue
the crowd rises
and bows as one
giving it's silent thanks and honor

The recipients
have chosen a speaker
from their group
to speak on their behalf

It is Es'thelian,
matron elder from the desert town
of Canyon City

She wears her age
as a mantle of dignity
slowly she makes her way
to the podium

"I live in the desert. Water there is precious,
not like here where you've got it coming out of
your ears!
When we find a desert spring it is a cause for
rejoice."
She narrows her gray eyes
and scans the audience
"Compassion is that precious desert spring, one
that each of us carry within ourselves. You just
have to dig for it." She winks at the crowd-
"I'll let you in on a little secret.
The waters of compassion flow both ways-
they nourish both the receiver and the giver."

With that
she stiffly and gracefully
steps down from the podium
the recipients exit off stage
and prepare for the banquet
being held that night in their honor

As the islanders
celebrate and toast
the virtues of the honored guests
The Island smiles

At this rate
it will remain
hidden and safe
for many, many
years to come.

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