“So many things you have acquired,” said the Master. “You must tell me their stories. What is that there, on the shelf?”
“That is a wedding vase, Master. It belonged to my grandmother.”
“And that?”
“My father’s astrolabe. He bought it from a Chinese seaman in San Francisco.”
The Master nodded. “So many things you have acquired and arranged around you. A story for each of your objects.”
He paused. “It is you who gives them context. When you die, they will lose their meaning. They will be a pearl necklace in a bag with no rope to connect them.”
I love that last line. Perfect.
That’s not entirely true. After my Dad passed away, my brother and I went through all of his stuff. He kept pretty much everything he ever owned so we tossed a great deal of it. However, those things that had transitory meaning we kept. My son has most of my Dad’s garage now in his garage, so his benches and tools will continue to “tell stories” for many years to come.
That was nicely done
Nicely tied together, but I’m with James. My husband uses his dad’s tools often, and they will be passed on to whichever son/grandson wants them. And almost all of them tell a story. It’s pretty cool.
Great story. :o)
I understand the Master, in some ways he is right; but, in a caring society, many items can go on to make new life’s,
Your story has succeeded – we’re debating whether or not the Master is right! Nice one, Speedway. It’s a persuasive image, the pearl necklace without its connecting string.
So true, when memories are lost.
Liked this story – especially the line about the necklace. And the comments are interesting too! You’re debating the wisdom of a fictional character!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Brilliant, very concise beautifully executed.
And a most poignant proverb. 🙂