If you have not done so please read part one…..
Later that day returning to the area where souls rest this mortal began devising a plan to leave this place called Failure. Said soul realized that the success of his plan required the assistance of no other soul. Other souls would project their disillusioned talk of defeat, proclaiming the plan impossible, and thus dampening or damaging this frustrated soul’s determination and will. Some were content in their predicament.
Each day the soul journeyed near the river’s edge, and secured scraps that had floated near the banks. These were scraps from the broken dreams of other mortals, and fragments of ruined Canoes of Life’s Possessions. Hiding these near the bank the soul began the arduous process of building a small raft. Amazingly, not one other soul trapped on the Bank of Failure visited the riverbank. The sight of others passing by on their Canoes of Life’s Possessions, looking on at the souls trapped on the Banks of Failure, were too much for these trapped souls to bear. Therefore, these trapped souls remained out of sight, and wallowed in their self-pity.
It was the morning of the golden sunrise two years after their conversation. Mother Failure watched as the mere mortal sailed away from her banks. She felt a sense of pride and knew Father Success would be pleased. It had taken this soul two years to build a suitable raft for this new voyage. The feat was accomplished with patience and determination.
“Goodbye,” shouted the mortal waving to Mother Failure, “and thank you for the lessons taught. I now understand the traps and pitfalls I must avoid.”
The mere mortal navigated the waters peering below for unsuspecting rocks, careful of the East Winds, mindful of the Currents of Life, and avoiding other canoes.
Five years after his departure from the Bank of Failure he sailed across and set anchor upon the Bank of Success. He was greeted with fine wines, fresh fruits and an elaborate feast.
Successful souls all came to welcome this new member. It was a day of jubilee.
“She taught me to navigate the rocks,” said one soul.
“She taught me that I needed to make better choices when it rained,” stated another.
“By making the same mistake twice Mother Failure taught me that it is possible to visit her more than once,” proclaimed a soul laughing.
A much older soul seated with family provided insight. “Success is wonderful, but the joys of success are only sweet because we all have tasted the bitter herbs of Failure. Failure has helped us appreciate this moment to the fullest.”
The Gathering of Souls on the Bank of Success recalled their individual journeys, and their experiences on the Bank of Failure before setting sail and landing on the Bank of Success.
“Let’s hear from the newcomer,” shouted a soul seated in the back of the banquet hall.
The newcomer arose, and reeling from the wine of success spoke at the Gathering of Souls.
“Mother Failure taught that choices can imprison or free one’s soul. She is a teacher of lessons that must be learned before one embarks on the journey which leads to the path of success. My fellow souls, Mother Failure is indeed absolutely necessary for true success to be achieved and blessings appreciated. It is the individual who interprets her instructions as he sees fit.”
Father Success began applauding.
“Well said newcomer. My wife is a tough mother, however the lessons, knowledge, and wisdom she imparts, though difficult, have brought you all to this place.” Those in attendance nodded in approval.
“While souls sail the Riverbed of Life trying desperately to navigate the waters and anchor on my banks the ones who set sail from the Banks of Failure possess wisdom, and are blessed with courage and experience to navigate the obstacles of the River of Life. In due time these souls anchor onto my Bank of Success.”
A soul in the back of the hall, one who possibly drank more wine than most, exclaimed at the top of her lungs.
“I finally figured this out! Mother Failure and Father Success are in cahoots! My fellow souls you can’t have one without the other!”
The souls cheered and the celebration continued into the early hours of the morning.
The following day souls trapped on the Bank of Failure received the news that this soul who once lamented in their company had journeyed to the Bank of Success.
Thought one of the souls on the Bank of Failure, “I am certain he has forgotten us, and his escape was sheer luck. Why doesn’t he return with a canoe and save us all?”
-FIN-