Sunday, May 24, 2009

The Eye of The Beholder

The emperor paraded down the streets of his kingdom,
strutting his invisible garment, too proud to see
what no one else could miss.

"What a handsome King!"
"What a gorgeous gown!"
"Isn't He lovely?!"
"And check out his crown!",
cried those who didn't want to be left out of believing the best.

But a little child,
so fearless and free,
cried, "The emperor's naked!
No clothing I see!"

The towns people laughed with shame and relief
and in their disillusionment,
they were set free to
see the emperor for who he was
and not for what they hoped he would be.

From then on, the town's people fended for themselves
and loved their emperor
in spite of who he wasn't.

As for the emperor, he no longer
trusted the mirror of his own admiration
nor the praises of men.
He humbly accepted the love of his people
and no longer kept them at arm's length.

The End~

No comments: