The Parable of the Spider King

This story was originally written around Easter 2007. It's short, just 5 pages,  and can be a tad corny in parts and is steeped in some Easter-related themes. 

The Parable of the Spider King: A Tale of the Iron Road, by GB Kessler

In a far off land, there is a great highway that spans a vast plane. It stretches from the north to the south, reaching from one horizon to the other. Many towns and cities rest along the highway, but all are overshadowed by the luster and attraction of two great cities in particular. At the northern end of the highway is a city of pure white that shines brighter than the noonday sun; this is the City of Dreams. At the southern end is the massive metropolis of high-rise buildings and the great works of man; this is the City of Deception.

It is in the City of Deception that the Spider King resides. He is ruler of all here, and does all he can to draw people away from the City of Dreams. A master deceiver, trickster, and liar, he is adept at crafting together exquisite lures and baits for his victims. Falsehoods wrapped in bits and pieces of selective truth are a favorite of his, and he employs them well. Expertly he places them in his immense web that stretches out from the heart of his domain and reaches to the very gates of the City of Dreams. Hence, the Spider King does not lack for meals.

Light, darkness, and a smart phone app

Light, darkness, and a smart phone app

Photo credit: James Lee @ Flickr.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jronaldlee/

Recently I watched the fireworks show my city put on for Independence Day from the roof of my home. With my smart phone in hand I took photos of the pyrotechnic displays and even recorded some video. The program lasted a total of 20 minutes and by the time it was over the darkness of the night returned in full force. I could still see well enough to negotiate my path from my perch on the roof to the edge where I had used a step ladder to scramble onto the rooftop a half-hour earlier. I figured it would be just as easy to get off the roof as it was to get on it.

I was mistaken.

The Sidewalk

The Sidewalk

800 East St., Dixie State University,
St. George, Utah, December  2009
Photo by Mori Kessler

Sidewalks and marked paths are put in place for our safety. Aside from the occasional bicycle or skateboard, you usually don’t have to worry about being run over. When you choose to leave the sidewalk and walk out in the street however, you could be talking life into your own hands. While a street may look vacant of traffic, you can never tell who may come tearing around the corner too fast, or may not be able to see you in time.

The Mustang in the Parking Lot

The Mustang in the Parking Lot

Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George, 2009

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not much of a car guy. Give me a car that’s reasonably reliable and safe, and I’m good. Still, I’m not beyond noticing a nice car what it crosses my path. One such car for me has always been the Ford Mustang. I don’t know what it is about the car but I love it. To me it’s a work of art on wheels. So when I came across one in a parking lot at Dixie State University (all the way back in 2009), my eyes were immediately drawn to it. Everything else faded into obscurity. Nothing came close to the brilliant shine the car gave off.

The Empty Fountain

I originally wrote this during the winter of 2009. As with most of my writings from this period in my life, this musing is steeped in personal thoughts concerning themes of Christianity, God, and faith in general. 

The Empty Fountain

The drained fountain at Dixie State College, winter 2009.