The Rock and the Firework

A Short Fable

He was the rock.  He was small and grey and ugly.  He had been living underground, until he felt himself lifted, and something was leaned against him.

The rock looked up and spoke in his slow, deliberate manner.  “And what are you?”

The stick quivered with excitement.  “I’m a firework.  I fly into the sky and glitter with the brightest light.  I’m the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen.”

“I don’t doubt that,” said the rock.  “But of what use are you?”

“I’m beautiful,” said the firework.  “I glitter. I fly.  I inspire all those who view me.”  He looked down.  “But what are you?”

“I am a rock.  I lay on the ground.  I am grey.  I am reliable.  I can be used to hold things down and prop things up.  I am not beautiful, but I am useful.  Are you useful?”

The firework was silent for a second.  “Yes,” he said thoughtfully.  “Beautiful things are useful.  But you are wrong. “

“I am?”

“You are beautiful. Useful things are beautiful. You prop me up.  You are my foundation.  If it weren’t for you, how would I fly? I would be lying on the ground.”

The rock considered that.  “ Perhaps you are right.”

“I am.  I am.  I am!”  The firework quivered.  “ I go now!  See my beauty.  Goodbye.”

The rock watched as the firework rose into the sky, bursting into cascading bits of light of beauty.  He felt sad as his short lived friend fulfilled his destiny, but proud that he could help in his small way.

He was the rock. He was small and heavy and grey, but, for the first time in his long life, he was beautiful.

Reflections on Covid 19

Here’s what I believe:
I believe in God, but I also believe in scientists.
I believe that the Main Stream Media will tell the truth as it sees it while trying to avoid bias.
I believe I have “done my research.” After all, I’m a bit to old to get my Doctorate in virology, so I need to research those experts who I trust. That said, I trust Dr. Fauci to tell the truth, because he’s not hesitant to say what he thinks.
I wear a mask because I believe the experts who tell us that my wearing a mask protects you, and not me. I also had trouble at first wearing masks, but I got used to it. It’s not my favorite thing to do, but I do it.
I do not necessarily trust random people on the internet about COVID 19, especially if they are not medical doctors or researchers. Nor would I expect the same to believe me.
I believe in the goodness of most people on both sides of the political aisle, and I don’t understand why people are painting others with such broad brushes.
I believe I am humble enough to know that I don’t know everything.
I do, however, get really annoyed at those people who think I don’t know anything, or “pity” me because I trust MSM, or tell me to “do my research.” I am not a saint. Those who call me names get blocked.
I may not understand your Political views, but I respect your side and your right to have them.
I believe. I care.
Thank you for hearing me out.