The Hideous God

 
Once there was a god so hideous 
 anyone who looked at him went blind. 
One morning as he walked along the horizon, 
he caught sight of a rooster.
 Too late, he buried his face in his hands. 
 
Now I cannot see the sun, said the rooster. 
My master will surely eat me. 
 
Since I am to blame for your blindness, said the hideous god,
I will crow for you.
 
And so for a thousand dawns 
the hideous god crowed for the rooster 
until one morning the master, walking across the horizon,
came upon the hideous god. 
 
What are you doing? asked the master. 
 
I am crowing in place of your rooster, he said. 
It is my fault that he is blind.
 
And why is that? asked the master. 
 
Can't you see I hide my face in my hands?  asked the god. 
I am so hideous all who look upon me are blinded. 
 
Well, then, said the master, take your hands from your face. 
The rooster crowed for me because I am blind. 
 
And that is why it is not always wise to assume 
the worst in yourself 
and the best in those you may have harmed.
 

 

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