Everyday Snippet #15 - A Divided Sky

In the sky lives two brothers--one is named Gloom and the other, Sunny.

Their tale goes as follows: in the beginning, to the Sun was born two children. They were much the same, but as they grew, their differences became very deep. One was dark and brooding. He was deeply troubled inside, so he grumbled and wept to alleviate his grief. When his anger was too much to bear, he pounded the earth with his fists. When he curled up in solitude, he blocked out the Sun's rays. The Sun bestowed the name Gloom upon him, for he could imagine no other word to describe him.

But the Sun loved the second child greatly, for he did not obstruct the Sun's rays. In fact, he entreated him, "Father, let your golden light illuminate the earth: let the peoples of the earth relish your soothing rays." This child loved the birds, letting them soar freely and fearlessly through the open air. He painted shapes in the clouds for humans to wonder at and guess what picture they might form. This greatly pleased the Sun, so he named the child after himself: Sunny.

Alas, the time has come when the Sun must sleep, but the children do not. As the Sun lays down below the horizon, a feud between Gloom and Sunny begins. Gloom musters his black, swirling clouds and advances upon the clear, Sunny sky. Defenseless, Sunny flees, banished for a time by his vicious brother.

But Gloom, even having driven his brother from the heavens, even having the sky all to himself, still his heart longs for love, and he weeps, showering rain on the ground below.

As I lay down to sleep, I hear the gentle hush of his tears rustling through the trees. I sigh with wonder at that strangely comforting sound, and my heart is full of thankfulness. As a peace lulls me to sleep, Gloom sees my tranquil slumber.

Knowing that someone appreciates him, he ceases his weeping and gives way to the clear light of dawn. A new day has begun.