The Five Rules
by Jason Visconti
At a certain time in the universe I was required to ring the world’s bell. No one could tinker with it, it was only mine. It was golden and statuesque and hovered with the breath of a thousand gods. Well, that’s taking it too far. A pretty thing though, too pretty to signify an apocalypse I thought. So I took out my handbook on the Ends Of Times just to make sure I was prepared.
Step 1: Stand back a safe distance. This is to make sure you are not confused in the
Fates.
I backed up in the steeple, at the least I had a sense I could avoid the physical
pain.
Step 2: Do not try to calculate when you swing. Trust in the natural powers of your
arms.
So I let my arms fall limp and searched my powers.
Step 3: Do not fear what you do not know.
I studied the instrument dazzled that it would soon be in motion.
Step 4: Do not descend down the stair for your neighbors would have left.
That one was kinda poetic, wasn’t it?
And then the final rule:
Do not shirk from your duty. Obviously that will undermine the previous four rules.
Then there came the seed of resentment planted in my swinging hand: I squeezed a small fist. I did not want to stir up anything, I barely leave my own house.
“Hey you ” I said to myself, consider what happens if you don’t. The five rules having been written especially for you?
Like I said I was to act at a certain time, and I did. And I never do what I’m told.
And who the hell knows the difference.
