Renhai Reflections (275): The Outbreak

[Masago]

The Outbreak
A Renhaibun by Jerry McKenzie (jm) & Vaughn Seward (vs)

These lesions on my ankle from previous exposures to neutron beams are
causing greater pain than they did yesterday. Now, today, my pace
across this field of rubble is much slower... my work is hampered. And
under these harrowing circumstances, I don't think I'll be able to
take my scheduled holiday, two days off on planet Zoria playing
cricket, unless I go AWOL from the consortium and get some first-aid.
But suddenly, I'm pulled out of the depths of my self-
commisseration... in a stumble my foot dislodges an unfamiliar
object... I pick it up, turn it over, and recognize the worn logo of a
vintage Syllacon. This was a primitive device used for storing
information, communicating, and delivering medical remedies, among
other things. I toss the worthless relic over my shoulder but to my
amazement it begins to emit a coded signal. Picking it up I find the
activator is still functional and a clearful image projects
holographically in front of me. The image is accompanied by an audible
feed which my modern hand device, which is actually a finger ring,
translates into several stanzas of verse. The lines, according to my q-
ring, are similar to an old earth-style poetical form.* The first
stanza of this verse brings back that chilling, sacred sound that
still reverberates in my memory... as if it summons me again, perhaps
this time as a supplicant to the humble apothecary stall that stands
adjacent to the temple. The next day I accept a "pass" from the
consortium and stow away on board a rust-ridden, bulky galactic
freighter.

*swinging the mallet
he sounds the jubilation
silver gong /vs

the shrill sound of an airoz** — /jm
from the midst one arises /vs

a tall falconer
extends his gauntleted
arm in receipt /jm

Click here for notes and linking details:
http://cflat7.drivehq.com/Renhai_0275.htm
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