In one small unimpressive town, nestled in the valley, was a little man called David…
[Continued from https://davidleemartin.com/the-epic-tale-of-the-tomorrow-beast-and-the-tiny-knight-part-1/]
One day David decided to slay the filthy Beast of Tomorrow once and for all.
Many years before, David had heard of a greater beast, the one from whom his land derived its name. A much more powerful, benevolent but voracious creature called Today. If only he could rouse Today to take on the ravaging beast of Tomorrow, maybe hope could be restored to the land.
The strange thing was, as if by some magic or ancient rediscovered truth, as soon as he focussed on Today instead of fearing the future, it appeared. It was almost as if it had been there all the time hidden in plain sight. Pregnant with possibility and brimming with excitement the creature roared the song of a thousand lions, its hungry teeth bared for battle, full of fury and fun.
David’s young daughter had once told him, “Dare to dream”.
He decided it must be so and opened his heart to imagine his story filled with every good thing his heart could conceive. He knew the very fragrance of faith would rouse the salivating Tomorrow-Beast, but with Today by his side he was finally ready to throw caution to the wind and take his chances.
Sure enough. Diving through the skies came the darkening cloud of Tomorrow, ready to steal David’s dreams (and the hopes of all who yielded to its tantalizing cocktail of reasons and excuses). How many times had this insatiable creature snatched the hapless knights confidence, carrying it just beyond the horizon, tantalisingly close but oh-so-far away?
Closer…
Closer…
Closer, the Beast of Tomorrow came.
With each flap of its wings, it widened its jaws, ready to gobble up each hopeful ambition. Its sharp dragon eyes shot this way and that, until it spotted David, hidden on the threshold of what seemed like a great cave filled with jewels and precious treasure beyond description.
The Beast spread his wings still further, its shadow stretching across the landscape as it swooped headfirst into the cave and…
“CHOMP!”
Down came the strong jaws of Today, swallowing Tomorrow whole.
Tomorrow vanished and all that remained was a big fat Today licking its lips.
Little David turned and asked the Creature what he should do next.
“Write a tiny parable,” said the smiling beast.
So I did!
PS: Just in case you were wondering, Today had One-Day and Some-Day for dessert.
