The award winning short story “Man”
By D.L. Reynolds
Copyright © 2009 by D.L. Reynolds.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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Man
The spirit of God moved upon the waters and darkness was upon the face of the deep. God said “let there be light” and light was born. The Angels sang praises unto the Lord. “Glory, Glory, Glory to God in the highest.” From within the song of all creatures rose a single voice, the most beautiful voice of all. With a voice ringing in purity and perfection, Lucifer sang praises unto his God. When God returned from the deep, Lucifer asked “how may I serve you my Lord?” God looked into the heart of Lucifer and smiled for he had heard his praise and it was good.
A new song rose in the Heavens as the Angels sang praises unto the Lord. “Glory, Glory, Glory to God in the highest.” From within the song of all creatures rose a single voice, the ugliest voice of all. With a voice ringing in hatred and jealousy, Satan sang rebellion into the song for his God. The blackness of his song corrupted the hearts of many. God spoke, “Lucifer come forth and answer for your sin.” Lucifer trembled, “Lord am I not the highest of all your creatures? Do I not have the most beautiful voice of all your Angels?” His eyes sparked as the plan began to unfold. Boldly, Satan stood forth and proclaimed to all around. “I am like you, A God! To be praised above all others.” God held up his hand and said, “Silence!” All creation stood still and the Heavens trembled. “Lucifer, you shall be cast down from the Heavens. Because you want to rule, the Earth shall be your throne. Those who follow you shall be your subjects. You will no longer walk among the stars and dust shall you eat for the rest of your days.” God looked into the heart of Lucifer and saw that it was not good. Lucifer and his Demons were cast down from Heaven.
God said, “I shall populate the Earth with life.” God took the dust of the Earth and molded man in his image. The Angels sang praises unto the Lord. “Glory, Glory, Glory to God in the highest.” From within the song of all creatures rose a single sound, the breath of life. Man took his first breath and he was born. God looked into the heart of man and smiled for he saw that it was good. God said, “I shall bless man and he shall have dominion over all creatures on Earth.”
Satan heard the songs of praise as he strolled upon the Earth. He came to see what God was doing. When he saw man, he was angered and a fire rose within him. Satan looked into the heart of man and despaired for he saw that it was good. His voice crackled with disgust, as he growled. “Man shall not have dominion. This is my kingdom and I shall rule over him. I will torment him across the four corners of the Earth. I will trample him under my feet and he shall eat from the dust that I walk upon. Man shall die and he will be subject to me as his God.” Satan paused and a twisted grin formed on his face. “I will grow powerful enough to challenge God and man will give me that power.” Satan looked into the heart of man and saw sin, he smiled for he saw that it was good.
THE END