Allegory Inspired by Rumpelstiltskin

In a sunny, ancient and restless land in the Middle East lived a tiny, old-new nation called Haaretz, vibrant, quarrelsome, inventive, wounded and hopeful. She spoke in many voices at once, argued with herself in the marketplace, and dreamed loudly of being both safe and free.

One day, in a moment of fear and pressure, a boast escaped her lips. “I can spin straw into gold,” she declared though she knew no such thing. The boast reached those in power, and they demanded she deliver. Locked in a chamber filled with dry, brittle straw, Haaretz sat trembling, under the weight of impossible promises. Then, just as despair closed in, he appeared. A small man, purple-haired and sharp-eyed, with an uneven smile. His voice was smooth, authoritative and cold.

“I can help you,” he said. Haaretz hesitated. “At what cost?” “Oh,” he answered, “something small. Something you won’t miss.” Desperate, she agreed. By morning, it looked like the straw had turned into gold. Haaretz, exhausted and relieved, did not question it. And so began the bargains.

Each time Haaretz faced fear, threat, or impossible demands, he returned. Each time, his price grew. First........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)