Meagan por la noche: March 2010

This is a great story, or more so a "folk tale" I'd say, that my friend shared with us the other night at a dinner party. The original version is in Spanish, and is called "Palabras en Juego". I've translated it (along with the help of Google) over into English because I think it's too good not to share with everyone.

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"It is said that once all the feelings and qualities of humanity met at a place on Earth. When Boredom had already yawned for the third time upon their meeting, Madness, as crazy as ever, gave them a proposal:

-- "Let's play hide and seek!"

Then Intrigue raised his eyebrows in curiosity, and unable to contain himself, asked:

-- "Hiding? And how you play that?

-- It's a game," said Madness, "where I hide my face and start to count from one to a thousand while you hide. When I have finished counting, the one I find will take my place to continue the game."

Excitement danced vibrantly at the idea, seconded by Euphoria. Joy gave so many leaps that she finally convinced Doubt, and even Apathy, who was never moved by anything, rose from his chair.

But not everyone wanted to participate. Truth preferred not to hide; why would he if he was always found? And Pride felt that this game was very stupid (basically he was upset that this had not been his idea). Cowardice decided not to play since it was best not to take the risk.

"One, two, three ..." counted Madness.

The first to hide was Laziness because, as usual, he dropped after he had found the first stone. Faith went up to heaven, and Envy hid behind the shadow of Triumph, which had made its own efforts to climb the highest tree canopy in the vicinity. Generosity had difficulty in finding her own place as each site was so wonderful that each time she offered it up to one of her friends. A clear lake was a wonderful hiding spot for Beauty. The crack of a tree provided a perfect place for Timidness to hide. Sensuality chose to hide atop the wings of the butterfly. A gust of wind served perfect for Liberty. Generosity finally opted to hide in a sunbeam.

Selfishness, however, found an excellent hiding spot, upon principle, which was airy and comfortable, but just for him. Dishonesty dove deep into the ocean, while Passion and Desire hid in the centers of erupting volcanoes. Obliviousness unfortunately did not remember where he had hid, but this is not important.

As Madness approached the number '999', Love had not yet found a place to hide. Everywhere she looked was already occupied. She finally came upon a rosebush, and with haste decided to hide among the flowers.

When he had finished, Madness began searching. The first to be found was Laziness, only three steps away by his stone. After was Faith, because she was heard arguing with God in heaven, and then Passion and Desire as you could feel their vibrations in the volcanoes. Upon discovery, Envy was found - and it was easy to deduce that she was very close to Triumph. Selfishness was not actually found, for he alone came out of hiding.. as he was actually in a hornet's nest.

After much walking, Madness felt thirsty and, as he approached the lake, found Beauty. With Doubt it was much easier, since he found her sitting on a log, still undecided on where to hide. So all were found: Talent between the tiniest blades of fresh grass; Anguish in a dark well, Dishonesty on the ocean floor and Obliviousness out in the open as he had already forgotten they were playing hide and seek.

Love alone did not appear. Madness reached behind every tree, peered into every stream, searched the top of every mountain and, when he was about to give up, saw a bush full of roses. He took a spoke and began to move the branches. Suddenly he heard a painful cry. The movement of the branches had caused the thorns to pierce the eyes of Love. Madness did not know what to do: he apologized over and over, cried, pleaded, and begged Love's pardon; he finally decided that to compensate in some way, he would be Love's guide until she could see again.

Love regained her sight eventually, but since then, without forewarning, there are times when she cannot see.

And so when Love becomes blind, Madness accompanies it.