Truthteller

He appeared one day, walking out of the desert.  He told us to gather together our eminent doctors and jurists, and only when we had done so did he speak:

Truthteller

 

 

The ancients knew that from the shadows of the Underworld

spirits sometimes send false dreams up to the sky

and I wonder if it is thus you have been deceived

about a Father sending a Son for atonement

so that all who believe may live in a forever of bliss.

Surely this is a story told to children who do not consent to sleep

until they have a happy ending.

 

In my land

eternal punishment and reward

arise not from belief but from our actions

being judged and assigned as follows:

the virtuous loll in the sun and dandle their children

those who were kind stroll about, nodding to one another in greeting

the humble bathe in the waters of goodness

but the grasping sit cross-legged, and frown before mirrors

the vain are pecked at by crows

the indifferent are forgotten

the slothful moan and droop

and dissemblers eat hay with the asses.

 

I tell you these things that you may conduct yourselves accordingly.