Stories, Poems, and Other Things

Akio's Parable

An artist, named Akio, decided to begin a large project one day. Inspired by the stunning cherry blossom trees, he painted. His work was long and hard, the heat and humidity of Okinawa only making time scrape by slower.
When he needed food, Akio could ask no one to make him a meal. He had to pause his painting to make it for himself. When dehydrated, Akio could only drag himself to the faucet to get water. Akio couldn't bring himself to ask any others for help, so he did everything for himself, being as self-sufficient as possible while avoiding collapsing from exhaustion.
Many people in the village respected Akio and his art; but he always pushed them away. A beautiful young woman of the village tried to bring Akio porridge for dinner, but he shooed her from his property, saying she was interrupting his concentration. She didn't return. The elder of the village tried to offer new paints and brushes, but Akio claimed they were the wrong kind and asked the elder to leave. All of the villagers tried time and time again to show kindness to Akio, but could never get him to accept. "Do not disturb me!" He would say, waving dismissively. "I need concentration, not compassion!" Eventually, the villagers left Akio alone.
Finally, after four months of isolation, Akio completed his painting. He was so excited that he rushed outside with the canvas, exclaiming to the worst that he was finished. No one payed mind to Akio, though. Not even the youngest of infants would look his way. People continued with their days as though Akio wasn't even there.
Akio realized the error of his ways, pushing away the kindness of everyone in the village had caused them to resent him. Akio, though distraught, still clutched his work in his hands. The painting was beautiful; gleaming with extravagant detail. But sadly, he could not feel pride in the work. In achieving his goal, he had abandoned those around him. "What good is a painted canvas," he sighed "If no one can enjoy the beauty?"