Wisdom From An Old Scribe

Just sharing another piece that I submitted to Tiny Lights. http://www.tiny-lights.com/ This piece answers the prompt "Who Controls Your Writing."  Enjoy

WISDOM FROM AN ANCIENT SCRIBE by Sara Etgen-Baker

In a land called Álfheimer, there once lived a young elfin scribe known as Olwȅ Nénharma.  Now it happened one day while walking through the Bodhi Woods that he came upon an old scribe. 

Lord Carnesȉr, some 90+ years old, sat feebly on the stump of an orange blossom tree.  The old scribe didn’t move—he sat with his head down staring at his hands.  Olwȅ sat down beside him, but the old scribe didn’t even acknowledge his presence. 

 

Although Olwȅ didn’t want to disturb the old scribe, he wondered if the old scribe was okay. So he asked, “Be you okay, Lord Carnesȉr?” 

Lord Carnesȉr raised his head, took a sip of lisyul, and smiled.  “I be fine young scribe.  Bless you for asking.”  

“I don’t mean to disturb you, sir.”  The young scribe leaned toward him.  “But I was wondering who controls my writing?  It’s a mystery to me.” 

“Now that’s a bit of a puzzle you see.  For the act of writing is left to you and me.”  Lord Carnesȉr rubbed his chin.  “But there’s really no mystery.  You simply have a responsibility.”  

 “But, sir, my family doesn’t understand.”  Olwȅ kicked a rock with his toe.  “They want me to take up the traditional Elfin ways.  And my friends—well, uh….they just want me to sing and dance.  I feel all alone.

“What you feel is not an uncommon scribal plight.  Do not fret over the ways of the Elfin World.”  Lord Carnesȉr patted Olwȅ’s leg.  “You’ve been given a gift—a talent so rare that you won’t fit in anywhere.”

“What about the villagers, my readers?” Olwȅ clutched his body.  “And what about the Sȇregon Council of Editors?” 

Lord Carnesȉr leaned back and looked Olwȅ straight in the eyes.  “Villagers will criticize you.   Yes, the leaders of the Sȇregon Council will editorialize you.” 

“But take heart.  Love your craft.  Learn how to tell stories.  Love the act of writing.  Don’t let others dissuade you from your path, young scribe.  Write because you want to write.”

So, according to Lord Carnesȉr who controls my writing?  I do.  Anon

Occasionally, you may find Sara Etgen-Baker talking with the wise Lord Carnesȉr while walking through the woods near her home.  If you don’t find her there, you may visit her at http://saraetgenbaker.blogspot.com/