The great congregation at market was set, that all the Mollusks came to sell their shells. And great were the shells, they'd break pieces off of themselves, and sell it to all the other animals of the sea.
An Oyster came to market, too, with a peculiar object. A great, rainbow pearl, with many colors swirling in its opalescent sheen. The other sea creatures looked upon it, and laughed, "That, that's not worth a dime. It's just made from an upset bowel. You ought to cast it away, and sell pieces of your shell like the rest of us."
But, the Oyster persisted, and every week the sea creatures would grow disturbed that this Oyster would not relent to sell his shell. "Why does this fool keep it up? If he just broke pieces of his shell, and sold them, he'd be rich like us. Instead, he tries to sell this worthless thing?"
Finally, a Man was walking through the market, and saw the pearl... he was not so much interested in the shells... and all the Sea Creatures were content to purchase their bullion among themselves. But, the Man, seeing the pearl was dazzled by it, never seeing anything like it. "This is why I come to market," said the Man, who offered a whole lifetime's salary for the one pearl.
Finally, all the other sea creatures were impressed, but also a bit jealous. But some, even, made pearls themselves.
©2024 B. K. Neifert
All Rights Reserved
The Oyster and His Pearl
Published
B. K. Neifert 