The Black-Man And His White Brother

Both of them were born on the same day to the same parents. Both passionately determined to run both the moon and the stars aground. No challenge would be insurmountable. No adventure would be too perilous. Nothing would be considered impossible. If dreamers could dream and realize their dreams, then so could they. Driven by an innate ambition so high as a mountain and deep as the valley, they did set off. The world would be their kingdom, their footstool and glory. Right there at the center of the earth, they hugged each other and parted ways. One faced east and the other faced west. And they took off on equal footing. But somehow on their journey, the Orion trickster was called upon to trick the two directions into one. Meaning that, east became west and west became east. One journey, one destination, but neither one of them knew. This was the secret and the universe kept it well hidden.

The eastern winds were known to be very treasonous and dangerous. Especially, when they were at war with the mighty sea. Angry sea waves would beat the shores, making it nearly impossible for mere mortals to sail across the sea. But the very moment he arrived, the sea parted in two. And he walked right through it to the east. Once he arrived, he lifted his mighty sword to break the eastern gate open. But then the gate swung itself open, as if it anticipated his arrival. Flowers were thrown from the balcony to hail this stranger, as he looked on suspiciously. The people of the east flocked to him like he was some kind of an emperor. A conqueror returning from a great conquest. The women prostrated themselves before him. He was immediately summoned by the king of the east. And after having dined with the king, was made second ruler of all the kingdoms of the east. Money came without work, and love came without heartbreak. His life was forever spring.

His other brother, who made his way to the west had a different experience. Right from the very start of his journey, everything that had to go wrong went wrong. The sea conspired with the western winds to capsize his sailing boat. The sky conspired with the clouds and he got rained on. There were also days when he had to do without sunlight. All because, the sun refused to shine on him. Anyway, he was immediately captured once his feet landed aground. Thrown in jail without either judge or jury. For years nobody came to him and nobody went from him. He was finally released after spending several years in the bottomless pit. When he got out, he labored hard for less. He was used, misused and abused by almost everybody. His only companion was his loneliness. Both men and women would look lowly on him. Unable to pursue his heart's ambition, he became mad, poor, resentful of life and humorless.

Two brothers, who set on a journey to rule the world have both arrived at the same destination. Only this time, one is a slave and the other a master. One drinks with kings, queens and royalties, whilst the other drinks alone. One's food is lavishly prepared, whilst the other eats what is left over. One's bed is filled with concubines, mistresses and wives, whilst the other sleeps alone. And I wonder if whether or not; Coincidence, fate or luck had a hand in what eventually became of these two brothers.