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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Fairy Tales & Fantasy
- Subject: Politics / Power / Abuse of Power
- Published: 06/25/2012
The Allegory of the Atlantic Pride
Born 1967, M, from Martinsburg, WV, United StatesSome may say that the day was exhiloratingly breathtaking, with a sky that was so blue and clear that the heavens themselves gave birth to this morning. This day would be one written in the annals of maritime lore for it was the day that the Atlantic Pride would embark upon its epic voyage.
The Atlantic Pride was the largest and most luxurious cruise ship anyone had ever dare dream. Every inch of the ship was constructed with forethought and devotion. Hours of labor by generations of men and women had cumulated into a vessel of such supreme grandeur that none other could ever be its equal. Exacting standards were carefully etched into every detail from the wood work to the silverware. It was magnificent, a work of art, a masterpiece, and yet the designers, managers and generations of various skilled labors took no credit for their accomplishments. “There is no way I could have created anything so beautiful without having my hand guided by the Master Creator” they would say. They gave thanks to God for all of their efforts in bringing the Pride of the Atlantic into the world.
“Surely, nothing so large can stay afloat in the sea,” voices echoed throughout the crowd.
“Of course it can, for it is being guided by the loving hand of God,” others would inject.
Then with the swing of a rope, tinted glass shattered, releasing a dry Champagne against the hull, the ship slipped smoothly into the ocean silencing the voices of doom.
Instantly, the thousands of men, women and children that called the Pride their home released the anchors of their idol hands and began to produce the sweat of the day. All positions were critical to the success of their new venture. Every new citizen of the Pride took their tasks to heart for they knew others depended upon their labors, as they depended upon the labor of others. It was an honest days work and yet the crew never complained. They were free, finally free. They could smell the fresh salt air and feel the cool ocean breeze on their face.
“Prepare to make way.” Came the order from the Captain.
The men dropped the ores into the water and everyone put their backs into the will of moving the ship. The ore deck was lined by men on both sides of the ship for as far as the eye could see. Standing at the aft of the vessel not even an eagle could see the bow. It took so many men working together to move the Atlantic Pride forward, and yet, it so moved.
Life on the ship was not easy in those beginning days aboard the Atlantic Pride, but the crew gave it everything they had to be part of such a momentous dream. It was worth the effort to breath the salt air and to know they were free to go anywhere they wanted. They did this not only for themselves but for their families and their future generations to come. The hope, the dream, the desire to be free was overwhelming and they worked to make it happen.
For years the Atlantic Pride sailed with God all over the oceans of the world. Stopping at various ports of call to collect items and share experiences. They passed the word of love, devotion and freedom along to the citizens of the world, as they traveled. People of various lands heard the word and dreamed of such a beautiful place. Some worked hard to one day be able to call the Pride their home. Others grew envious at such a magnificent splendor the crew’s hard work had created and made designs to destroy it.
The years passed by. The world had changed over the years, becoming smaller. The ship’s population had boomed bringing prosperity and wealth to all on board. The captains had changed a number of times over the years. Some were noble men, proud to lead the ship into uncharted waters and stay the course against any oppressor. While other captains were not so noble and only coveted the Captain’s Chair for the power and prestige it brought. Technologies also changed over the years bringing a new era of prosperity to all of the laborers and their families. Their hard work, as well as the hard work of their forefathers, had opened up a number of new avenues that their children could pursue. Life onboard the Atlantic Pride was wonderful.
Although, the years passing also brought with it some problems. Salt water can have an effect on a ship over time. The Pride was no exception. The carefully skilled hands that gave birth to the ship were long since gone and had been replaced by prideless hands not as skilled and lacking in attention to detail. Pieces of the ship’s grand magnificence had been replaced with cheap reproductions. Piece by Piece the ship had changed over the years, as did the citizens that crewed the splendor of the seas. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
“Excuse me, but someone forgot to put the little umbrella in my drink.” The passenger told the crew member while laying out on a semi-reclined deck chair.
“My apologies, I’ll fetch you one immediately.”
“No need, just have them make me another drink, on the house, and get it right this time.” The passenger stated as she sucked the plastic pineapple empty.
“Right away ma'am.” The waiter stated as he moved in the direction of the bar.
“That’s what’s wrong with this ship now a days you know.” She stated to her husband lying next to her. “No one has any pride in what they do anymore. They are not appreciative of what they have and always expect more. They just take everything for granted.”
Another passenger, sitting across from them, wearing a t-shirt that said ‘Capitalism is a Capital Crime’ pointed a finger up to the Bridge and said in a deep voice, “If you really want to know who’s to blame it’s them.”
“Who? The Captain?” The woman stated.
“Yeap, the Captain and the Officers, sitting up there in their ivy towers. They get richer and richer while the poor workers down here doing all the hard day to day work can barely make a living.” He stated.
The waiter had returned and was placing the drink on the table and smiled at the woman. “I made sure to give you two umbrellas in your drink this time ma'am.”
“Oh, so you did,” she said as she pulled them out and added them to a growing collection on the table next to her. “That’ll be all.”
The waiter hesitated for a moment but recovered quickly and moved away.
“Good help is so hard to find now a days.” The woman stated as she repositioned her bikini top to ensure the sun was able to lick all of the legal parts of her body while in public.
An older caucasian man sat in the shade breathing into an oxygen mask, the contrast between his partial sunburn and blue lips made him look odd. “It appears there are icebergs on the Atlantic.”
“If there are icebergs in the Atlantic, it’s because global warming has caused the ice caps to melt.” Stated the husband of the plastic pineapple drinker. “They should raise the rates of the tickets so we can reduce global warming.”
“How much does a nice day cost?” Asked a woman placing a towel across her deck chair. “My daughter’s getting married and I want to make sure she has a beautiful wedding day. I can write you a check.”
“Oh God, more icebergs on the Atlantic.” The old man stated as he coughed lightly into his mask.
“Watch what you say old man, there is no reason to be vulgar. You can get in trouble saying that ‘G’ word in public.” Replied the woman as she sat on her still damp towel. “By the way, Happy Holidays and Merry Xmas everyone.”
At that moment the ship lurched forward, backward and side to side as a terrible grinding noise echoed throughout.
“That didn’t sound good.” Stated the t-shirt man. “I do hope they have it fixed before lunch. I hate long lines and waiting for everything.” He said with a chuckle. “That’s why I only purchase suites you know? I certainly do not want to have to wait in line with all of those other people.”
They all laughed as the old man rolled his eyes and took deep labored breaths into his oxygen mask with a look of distain.
The young waiter that assisted the pineapple drinker earlier rushed by holding a life jacket. “Excuse me young man, what seems to be the problem?” Asked her husband.
The waiter acted as if he were going to just leave them sitting there but stopped and turned and shouted back at them. “The ship has ran over an iceberg and it has sliced a large gash in our hull. The Atlantic Pride is going to sink because no one remembers how to fix such a gash.” He then turned and ran off.
The husband and wife got comfortable in their chairs and continued to sunbath while the still damp woman picked up a magazine and began to flip through it.
“I wish the waiter wouldn’t have run off like that, I really need another drink.” Stated the t-shirt man. “He had better come back soon or he’s not getting a tip. Where do you think he was running off to in such a hurry?”
“Oh you know those ‘Doom & Gloomers’ are always yelling about one thing or another. Panic Panic Panic, that’s their motto.” Stated the woman between the pages of her magazine. “Oh my, did you know that Carbon Dioxide is now considered a poisonous gas? It says here that CO2 is the leading greenhouse gas and is destroying our planet. It has to be due to all of those cow farts. They should ban cows. It’s probably causing all the global warming too. That’s why I’m a vegetarian I tell you. It’s better for the planet and our ecology. I only eat fish and chicken and steak if it is done well. If more people were vegetarians like me we would all be better off. We really need to do something about all of those cows.”
“Don’t worry everyone, the Atlantic Pride is much too large to sink. Plus I voted for the captain and I’m sure he’s got everything under control.” Stated the pineapple husband. “That’s how we got our suite, we donated a lot to his re-election campaign, so you could even say we’re really good friends.”
The ship tilted to the left. It seemed as if the ship was going to right itself in the middle once more but continued to lean to the left.
“I do hope they get this instability issue worked out, it is ruining my tan.” Stated the woman as she finished her plastic pineapple drink. “Now I need another drink. This is getting ridiculous. Do you know how many people would love to have his job serving people like us drinks. I’m sure there are a dozen at our next destination just waiting for the opportunity. I think we should talk to the captain about his behavior, that is if I don’t die of thirst first.”
“Speaking of the captain, isn’t that him over there?” T-shirt man pointed at a man in an officers uniform climbing aboard a tiny dingy that was attached to the right side of the ship.
“Of course that’s the captain.” Stated the husband. “How many other ‘African-Atlantic Pride’ officers do you know?” They all snickered at the foolishness of such a thing. “What’s he doing in that little boat?”
The captain lowered the little boat down the side of the ship and into the ocean before releasing the mooring ropes. He picked up a megaphone and with a crackle began to speak.
“Attention crew and passengers, please may I have your attention.”
People rushed to the rails to listen to the captain as he began to speak.
“It appears that some of the reports about that loud noise you heard earlier were greatly over-exaggerated. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Atlantic Pride. Please continue to drink, eat and be merry as you celebrate your holidays here with us.”
The more he talked the more people raced to the right. At first the ship moved to the middle and then it continued tilting to the right. However, it was too little too late. A large portion of the gash had moved out of the ocean as the ship leaned to the right slowing the flow of water into the heart of the ship but the damage was so extensive that it was only a matter of time.
“Everything is fine.” Stated the captain. “I’m just going to catch some fish for our supper tonight. That’s how committed I am to all of you. So, just relax and enjoy the day.” The captain continued to talk well after they were out of sight and earshot.
The sun began to drop into the west as the ship began violently tossing left and right. No matter which way the ship went the only progressive movement was down into the ocean.
“Well, I never did find the waiter but I did find something for us to drink.” Stated the t-shirt man.
“That’s wonderful, I’m literally dehydrating on the spot, just pour it into my pineapple.”
“I’ll take some of that too.” Stated her husband.
The ocean sloshed over the deck as if a tsunami had raced to welcome their party.
“For Pete’s sake, my towel was finally dry and now this. Look at all of this water. Someone must have broken a pipe somewhere.”
The water level increased until they had to hold their cups up to keep the sea water from mixing with their drinks. Once the ocean was up to their chest the old man said “So many icebergs on the Atlantic.” Then his eyes closed and he coughed no more.
“Well, let’s have a toast shall we.” Stated the t-shirt man.
“What is this we’re drinking anyway?” Asked the pineapple woman.
“I believe it’s grape cool-aid.”
“Oh, I love cool-aid, I’ve been known to drink the cool-aid on so many occasions.”
“I hope they get this leak fixed soon, it’s making my skin all pruney.” Stated the magazine woman.
“To the Atlantic Pride and the greatest captain ever!” Stated the t-shirt man and then they all drank the cool-aid.
The sun sizzled as it sank into the ocean that night, seeing the end of an era.
The Allegory of the Atlantic Pride(Scott Dorsey)
Some may say that the day was exhiloratingly breathtaking, with a sky that was so blue and clear that the heavens themselves gave birth to this morning. This day would be one written in the annals of maritime lore for it was the day that the Atlantic Pride would embark upon its epic voyage.
The Atlantic Pride was the largest and most luxurious cruise ship anyone had ever dare dream. Every inch of the ship was constructed with forethought and devotion. Hours of labor by generations of men and women had cumulated into a vessel of such supreme grandeur that none other could ever be its equal. Exacting standards were carefully etched into every detail from the wood work to the silverware. It was magnificent, a work of art, a masterpiece, and yet the designers, managers and generations of various skilled labors took no credit for their accomplishments. “There is no way I could have created anything so beautiful without having my hand guided by the Master Creator” they would say. They gave thanks to God for all of their efforts in bringing the Pride of the Atlantic into the world.
“Surely, nothing so large can stay afloat in the sea,” voices echoed throughout the crowd.
“Of course it can, for it is being guided by the loving hand of God,” others would inject.
Then with the swing of a rope, tinted glass shattered, releasing a dry Champagne against the hull, the ship slipped smoothly into the ocean silencing the voices of doom.
Instantly, the thousands of men, women and children that called the Pride their home released the anchors of their idol hands and began to produce the sweat of the day. All positions were critical to the success of their new venture. Every new citizen of the Pride took their tasks to heart for they knew others depended upon their labors, as they depended upon the labor of others. It was an honest days work and yet the crew never complained. They were free, finally free. They could smell the fresh salt air and feel the cool ocean breeze on their face.
“Prepare to make way.” Came the order from the Captain.
The men dropped the ores into the water and everyone put their backs into the will of moving the ship. The ore deck was lined by men on both sides of the ship for as far as the eye could see. Standing at the aft of the vessel not even an eagle could see the bow. It took so many men working together to move the Atlantic Pride forward, and yet, it so moved.
Life on the ship was not easy in those beginning days aboard the Atlantic Pride, but the crew gave it everything they had to be part of such a momentous dream. It was worth the effort to breath the salt air and to know they were free to go anywhere they wanted. They did this not only for themselves but for their families and their future generations to come. The hope, the dream, the desire to be free was overwhelming and they worked to make it happen.
For years the Atlantic Pride sailed with God all over the oceans of the world. Stopping at various ports of call to collect items and share experiences. They passed the word of love, devotion and freedom along to the citizens of the world, as they traveled. People of various lands heard the word and dreamed of such a beautiful place. Some worked hard to one day be able to call the Pride their home. Others grew envious at such a magnificent splendor the crew’s hard work had created and made designs to destroy it.
The years passed by. The world had changed over the years, becoming smaller. The ship’s population had boomed bringing prosperity and wealth to all on board. The captains had changed a number of times over the years. Some were noble men, proud to lead the ship into uncharted waters and stay the course against any oppressor. While other captains were not so noble and only coveted the Captain’s Chair for the power and prestige it brought. Technologies also changed over the years bringing a new era of prosperity to all of the laborers and their families. Their hard work, as well as the hard work of their forefathers, had opened up a number of new avenues that their children could pursue. Life onboard the Atlantic Pride was wonderful.
Although, the years passing also brought with it some problems. Salt water can have an effect on a ship over time. The Pride was no exception. The carefully skilled hands that gave birth to the ship were long since gone and had been replaced by prideless hands not as skilled and lacking in attention to detail. Pieces of the ship’s grand magnificence had been replaced with cheap reproductions. Piece by Piece the ship had changed over the years, as did the citizens that crewed the splendor of the seas. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
“Excuse me, but someone forgot to put the little umbrella in my drink.” The passenger told the crew member while laying out on a semi-reclined deck chair.
“My apologies, I’ll fetch you one immediately.”
“No need, just have them make me another drink, on the house, and get it right this time.” The passenger stated as she sucked the plastic pineapple empty.
“Right away ma'am.” The waiter stated as he moved in the direction of the bar.
“That’s what’s wrong with this ship now a days you know.” She stated to her husband lying next to her. “No one has any pride in what they do anymore. They are not appreciative of what they have and always expect more. They just take everything for granted.”
Another passenger, sitting across from them, wearing a t-shirt that said ‘Capitalism is a Capital Crime’ pointed a finger up to the Bridge and said in a deep voice, “If you really want to know who’s to blame it’s them.”
“Who? The Captain?” The woman stated.
“Yeap, the Captain and the Officers, sitting up there in their ivy towers. They get richer and richer while the poor workers down here doing all the hard day to day work can barely make a living.” He stated.
The waiter had returned and was placing the drink on the table and smiled at the woman. “I made sure to give you two umbrellas in your drink this time ma'am.”
“Oh, so you did,” she said as she pulled them out and added them to a growing collection on the table next to her. “That’ll be all.”
The waiter hesitated for a moment but recovered quickly and moved away.
“Good help is so hard to find now a days.” The woman stated as she repositioned her bikini top to ensure the sun was able to lick all of the legal parts of her body while in public.
An older caucasian man sat in the shade breathing into an oxygen mask, the contrast between his partial sunburn and blue lips made him look odd. “It appears there are icebergs on the Atlantic.”
“If there are icebergs in the Atlantic, it’s because global warming has caused the ice caps to melt.” Stated the husband of the plastic pineapple drinker. “They should raise the rates of the tickets so we can reduce global warming.”
“How much does a nice day cost?” Asked a woman placing a towel across her deck chair. “My daughter’s getting married and I want to make sure she has a beautiful wedding day. I can write you a check.”
“Oh God, more icebergs on the Atlantic.” The old man stated as he coughed lightly into his mask.
“Watch what you say old man, there is no reason to be vulgar. You can get in trouble saying that ‘G’ word in public.” Replied the woman as she sat on her still damp towel. “By the way, Happy Holidays and Merry Xmas everyone.”
At that moment the ship lurched forward, backward and side to side as a terrible grinding noise echoed throughout.
“That didn’t sound good.” Stated the t-shirt man. “I do hope they have it fixed before lunch. I hate long lines and waiting for everything.” He said with a chuckle. “That’s why I only purchase suites you know? I certainly do not want to have to wait in line with all of those other people.”
They all laughed as the old man rolled his eyes and took deep labored breaths into his oxygen mask with a look of distain.
The young waiter that assisted the pineapple drinker earlier rushed by holding a life jacket. “Excuse me young man, what seems to be the problem?” Asked her husband.
The waiter acted as if he were going to just leave them sitting there but stopped and turned and shouted back at them. “The ship has ran over an iceberg and it has sliced a large gash in our hull. The Atlantic Pride is going to sink because no one remembers how to fix such a gash.” He then turned and ran off.
The husband and wife got comfortable in their chairs and continued to sunbath while the still damp woman picked up a magazine and began to flip through it.
“I wish the waiter wouldn’t have run off like that, I really need another drink.” Stated the t-shirt man. “He had better come back soon or he’s not getting a tip. Where do you think he was running off to in such a hurry?”
“Oh you know those ‘Doom & Gloomers’ are always yelling about one thing or another. Panic Panic Panic, that’s their motto.” Stated the woman between the pages of her magazine. “Oh my, did you know that Carbon Dioxide is now considered a poisonous gas? It says here that CO2 is the leading greenhouse gas and is destroying our planet. It has to be due to all of those cow farts. They should ban cows. It’s probably causing all the global warming too. That’s why I’m a vegetarian I tell you. It’s better for the planet and our ecology. I only eat fish and chicken and steak if it is done well. If more people were vegetarians like me we would all be better off. We really need to do something about all of those cows.”
“Don’t worry everyone, the Atlantic Pride is much too large to sink. Plus I voted for the captain and I’m sure he’s got everything under control.” Stated the pineapple husband. “That’s how we got our suite, we donated a lot to his re-election campaign, so you could even say we’re really good friends.”
The ship tilted to the left. It seemed as if the ship was going to right itself in the middle once more but continued to lean to the left.
“I do hope they get this instability issue worked out, it is ruining my tan.” Stated the woman as she finished her plastic pineapple drink. “Now I need another drink. This is getting ridiculous. Do you know how many people would love to have his job serving people like us drinks. I’m sure there are a dozen at our next destination just waiting for the opportunity. I think we should talk to the captain about his behavior, that is if I don’t die of thirst first.”
“Speaking of the captain, isn’t that him over there?” T-shirt man pointed at a man in an officers uniform climbing aboard a tiny dingy that was attached to the right side of the ship.
“Of course that’s the captain.” Stated the husband. “How many other ‘African-Atlantic Pride’ officers do you know?” They all snickered at the foolishness of such a thing. “What’s he doing in that little boat?”
The captain lowered the little boat down the side of the ship and into the ocean before releasing the mooring ropes. He picked up a megaphone and with a crackle began to speak.
“Attention crew and passengers, please may I have your attention.”
People rushed to the rails to listen to the captain as he began to speak.
“It appears that some of the reports about that loud noise you heard earlier were greatly over-exaggerated. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Atlantic Pride. Please continue to drink, eat and be merry as you celebrate your holidays here with us.”
The more he talked the more people raced to the right. At first the ship moved to the middle and then it continued tilting to the right. However, it was too little too late. A large portion of the gash had moved out of the ocean as the ship leaned to the right slowing the flow of water into the heart of the ship but the damage was so extensive that it was only a matter of time.
“Everything is fine.” Stated the captain. “I’m just going to catch some fish for our supper tonight. That’s how committed I am to all of you. So, just relax and enjoy the day.” The captain continued to talk well after they were out of sight and earshot.
The sun began to drop into the west as the ship began violently tossing left and right. No matter which way the ship went the only progressive movement was down into the ocean.
“Well, I never did find the waiter but I did find something for us to drink.” Stated the t-shirt man.
“That’s wonderful, I’m literally dehydrating on the spot, just pour it into my pineapple.”
“I’ll take some of that too.” Stated her husband.
The ocean sloshed over the deck as if a tsunami had raced to welcome their party.
“For Pete’s sake, my towel was finally dry and now this. Look at all of this water. Someone must have broken a pipe somewhere.”
The water level increased until they had to hold their cups up to keep the sea water from mixing with their drinks. Once the ocean was up to their chest the old man said “So many icebergs on the Atlantic.” Then his eyes closed and he coughed no more.
“Well, let’s have a toast shall we.” Stated the t-shirt man.
“What is this we’re drinking anyway?” Asked the pineapple woman.
“I believe it’s grape cool-aid.”
“Oh, I love cool-aid, I’ve been known to drink the cool-aid on so many occasions.”
“I hope they get this leak fixed soon, it’s making my skin all pruney.” Stated the magazine woman.
“To the Atlantic Pride and the greatest captain ever!” Stated the t-shirt man and then they all drank the cool-aid.
The sun sizzled as it sank into the ocean that night, seeing the end of an era.
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