Woodland trails surround the farmland Blessed. Shining stones circle Blessed. A gleaming lake sits at its center. There are gates, but no locks. Dogs bark and snuffle through the woods scenting deer, bobcat, raccoon, and bear. It pours rain in Blessed and the soaked land lies fertile with pillows of green moss. Rainbows appear over the land and sunbeams strike the grass brilliantly. Blessed is golden in fall. Pure white in winter. The moon is bright and beautiful. Blessed gleams. Everyone may visit, but Blessed is difficult to find. Experienced explorers follow maps to its gates. Wanderers stumble across the gleaming gates.
“May I enter?” the lamb bleats.
“Of course,” says the Guide.
The cities Welcome sit at the corner of Blessed and invite all in the four directions. The Welcomites learn the art of hospitality. They send invitations to Blessed parties, banquets, and simple gatherings. Welcomites bow, offer handshakes and hat tips to newcomers. They learn names quickly and always remember those they meet and how they are related.
“Hosslegoss!” they say in greeting, a magic word which must be pronounced just right and conveys a feeling of love and welcome upon those who hear it or see it written in Welcome script upon a letter.
“Welcome is home!” Miss Emeline Traveler says and visits frequently.
“Miss Emeline pronounces Hosslegoss exactly,” says Miss Doe Friend.
"To be sure," the Guide agrees.
“Wherever I go, Welcome stays in my heart and mind,” says Emeline.
Comments
Post a Comment