Creation

He woke up that morning with the clear resolve of wanting to do something good, or at least something that would unequivocally outstrip all the rest. He had a quick breakfast, all the time looking in admiration upon the marvellous achievements of his handiwork over the last five days. Dawn and sunset, he had to admit were perfect; the light and stars were all in the right place; the animals couldn’t have been grander, wilder or more full of vigour. Several, to be honest, were perhaps a bit too wild, and vicious even, but some degree of harshness is after all permissible in any creation of the universe worth mentioning. And if they really threatened to get out of hand, there was nothing stopping him from extinguishing them just as easily as he’d created them, so why worry? In addition to all of these wonders, he couldn’t help admiring how he had ensured the steady rotation of that spherical planet which he had chosen to call “Earth”, by placing suitable quantities of ice and water at the sides of the land masses. –Mmm, and yet there’s still something missing, but what?, he mused, as the sun rose on the sixth day. Then, upon seeing his reflection in a water-laden cloud passing by he immediately understood what it was that was missing. –Of course, now I see what’s missing: the idea of myself, something that’s similar to me, to what I believe and the way I act!

So, without further ado he set about working and modelling a strange material, something not unlike clay but far redder, almost a newly created putty-like material, and rather fragrant as well. As he worked something reminiscent of his own perfect and agile body began to emerge from the initially indistinct mass, imbued with the beauty that he had managed to impart to the trees and birds, to the landscape, and to the whole world as well. It was turning out to be something that, in his intentions, was meant to incorporate all the strength and prestige as befits one who had conceived the whole universe in the first place, and namely the ultimate creator. –There we are, a touch here, another there, and two forelimbs like mine, plus a dash of my brains, a pair of eyes, a nose and mouth, muscles, and whatever else can be useful so that posterity may be reminded of me, he said to himself as he wrought the new figure to perfection. It was indeed turning out very well, almost in the image of its creator. Not so beautiful and majestic, mind you, but nevertheless quite impressive… –Fine, and now where do I go from here?, he suddenly asked himself. –Ah, yes, I’d better add the breath of life to it. After all, I must present it to the other animals, otherwise how could they ever recognize me through it?

No sooner said than done, of course. Also because the creation of all that had been created was a serious matter, and certainly not undertaken to please someone. True, between saying and the doing there’s the sea, as the old adage goes, and in this case what a sea! Perfect, in all respects. So, quicker than a blink, the new form had come to life, and it had hardly opened its eyes that it was already speaking in the most polished of styles. But then, what else could have been expected of a creature whose creator was so absolutely intel-ligent and sensible. –Well then, and who are you?, inquired the newcomer upon beholding the person standing before him. The creator was taken by surprise at such an inquisitive first remark. –Who am I?! I’m your … erm… I’m the one who made you, he gruffly mumbled. –Is that so? And what’s your name? After all, we haven’t been introduced yet, you know? The creator was becoming more taken aback by the minute and couldn’t help looking at the creature with a growing sense of apprehension, catching a glimpse of himself in the creature aright, yet somehow not being able to identify with him altogether. –Listen here, you, what’s this business that you don’t recognise me? Honestly, can’t you spot a similarity between us?, he at last dared to ask the creature who was apparently so oblivious to everything surrounding him. –You and me the same?… You must be joking! Here, do you see me with a long white beard and two black rings around my eyes like yours? So… who are you then?, sharply retorted the other, putting himself on the defensive. –Oh my god, and now what?, cried the creator. –And now what?, you say. You’re pulling my leg, aren’t you? What am I doing here, to begin with? And what’s this god you’re talking about?.

The two were by this stage clearly at loggerheads, standing in front of each other, both very much in a defensive mood that had soon turned to a standoff. Neither, in fact, intended giving in to the other and the situation was getting more embroiled by the minute. –Listen here, I can just as easily destroy you, just as I made you!, at last shouted the creator, who was beginning to feel very uneasy and disconcerted by the presence of the other. –That’s a good one; I reckon we’re going to hear that line spoken quite often! Excuse me, but you’ve just created me and now you already want to cancel me, do you? Don’t you think all the effort you’ve put into creating would be wasted? Rather, tell me why you did it in the first place? And now, what am I supposed to do? Don’t you think what I’m asking is logical?. The other simply couldn’t help looking at the creature, utterly astounded by his exhibition of so much lively intelligence. –Mmm, yes, I reckon you’ve got a point there.

So, without any further quibbling, the creator hastily explained to the other the reasons for his resolve, describing to him everything else he had created as well. –Really? You made all this, and me as well?, inquired the other almost incredulously, overwhelmed at the thought and sight of so much power. –But from what you’re saying about me, am I to presume that I can do just as much? At this point, the creator couldn’t help looking upon his creature with a growing sense of despair. And yet, at the same time, the creator couldn’t help feeling affection for the creature, who despite being so young was already striving to imitate him. Then, just as suddenly as when he had decided to create him, the creator had come to a new decision. –Steady on there for a moment, will you? Look here, you and I might have a lot in common, but I’m the one making the decisions here!, he roared in a frightfully awesome voice. –That’s fine with me; what are you waiting for? Go on, make your decision, then. So, what is it you want from me?, the other had rejoined, without betraying the slightest sign of being perturbed. –I’ve decided you need company, also because I can see you and I inevitably ending up quarrelling.

As usual, no sooner said than done, and the creator had ripped out a rib from the man’s side, turning it in less than it takes to say “amen” into a new figure endowed with first-class reproductive organs. –Here then, and now what do you reckon of this?, he asked the man, not without a certain degree of self-complacency. –Looks fine. What was it you were saying about that place? Earth, you called it, didn’t you? Well, if you’ve nothing else to add, I’d say I’m off and taking this figure with me.

The new figure looked both up and down, bemused at first and then rather querulously. –Hey, who are you two? And what’s this business about this one here taking me down to Earth? As
if I couldn’t decide myself where to go!

The two exchanged bewildered and incredulous glances, quite unprepared to be confronted by such a determined and strong-willed creature so soon after it had been created. –Oh no, what the hell have I let myself in for?, the creator suddenly cried. –Now, I’m really fed up with the two of you, so be off and let me rest! The Earth is over there, see? It’s all yours; go and be sure to use it wisely, I urge you.

Taken somewhat aback by such bitterness, the two quickly moved off and by and by reached the Earth. –What a lovely place; it’s all so gorgeous!, the woman couldn’t help exclaiming to the other upon seeing what was to be their abode and being almost moved to tears by the sight of two magnificent fawns staring at them. But without even answering, the other had raised a large boulder above his head and in one blow had dashed the brains out of the animal closest to him. –Woman, get the fire going, I’m hungry.

The creator was undoubtedly a busy person with many chores to attend to, but he wasn’t one to be easily distracted and the wanton act had certainly not escaped his attention. With a sense of mighty wrath welling up inside him, in an instance he resolved once and for all that he would have nothing more to do with the two; as much as they might be like him on the surface, their frightful lack of conscience and sense of responsibility had set them far apart from him. In his heart, now swollen with sorrow at the thought of the inevitable separation, a doubt still lingered, and that is whether he should allow them to continue to exist. But why not? After all, sooner or later, they were sure to remedy his error of judgement themselves.