I’m not going to do a lot of the
typing this post, this time I have a story. It’s a monolog from
Night on the Galactic Railroad about
the scorpion of Baldora Field:
Our father told us once about the
scorpion of Baldora Field. The scorpion killed other bugs and ate
them.
Then one day, a weasel found him.
The scorpion fled, and fell into a deep well. He was trapped, and
knew he'd die.Then, he thought to himself,"How often have l
eaten other creatures? And now, the one time that l was the prey, l
fled in utter terror. And look what came of that. I'll die in this
well, alone."
"Life is filled with
uncertainty. Why didn't l accept my fate? If l had freely given my
life to the weasel, I would have given himanother day of life.But now
my death will help no one. I am useless. Dear Lord, I beg of you,
look into my heart and hear my prayer. In my next life, don't let me
waste myself.Let me use my body for the truehappiness of everyone in
the world."
And then the scorpion burst into
flame: a brilliant crimson glow. And by the light of his burning
body, he lit up the night forever.
How beautiful!
I always liked the story. “Put the
others before yourself” is a very nice motto. Even if it has a
subtle communist overtone. The world would probably be a better place
if everyone thought that way. But like the story says, when death has
you in its clutches, even the courageous falter.
There was a story a few months ago on
60 Minutes
about the cost of end of life care to tax payers. It reminded me of
this story. It’s easy for most to expect the old and sick to accept
their fate and save the tax payers a few dollars, but it’s much
harder to accept it when your time comes.
