The Beggar and the Bread

A beggar came and sat before me. "I want bread," he said.

 

"How wise you are," I assured him. "Bread is what you need. And you have come to the right bakery." So I pulled my cookbook down from my shelf and began to tell him all I knew about bread.

 

I spoke of flour and wheat, of grain and barley. My knowledge impressed even me as I cited the measurements and recipe. When I looked up, I was surprised to see he was not smiling. "I just want bread," he said.

 

"How wise you are." I applauded his choice. "Follow me, and I'll show you our bakery." Down the hallowed halls, I guided him, pausing to point out the rooms where the dough is prepared and the ovens where the bread is baked.

 

"No one has such facilities. We have bread for every need. But here is the best part," I proclaimed as I pushed open two swinging doors. "This is our room of inspiration." I knew he was moved as we stepped into the auditorium full of stained-glass windows.

 

The beggar did not speak. I understood his silence. With my arm around his shoulder, I whispered, "It overwhelms me as well." I then leaped to the podium and struck my favorite pose behind the lectern.

 

"People come from miles to hear me speak. Once a week, my workers gather, and I read to them the recipe from the cookbook of life."

 

By now, the beggar had taken a seat on the front row. I knew what he wanted. "Would you like to hear me?"

 

"No," he said, "but I would like some bread."

 

"How wise you are," I replied. And I led him to the front door of the bakery.

 

"What I have to say next is very important," I told him as we stood outside.

 

"Up and down this street you will find many bakeries. But take heed; they do not serve the true bread. I know of one who adds two spoons of salt rather than one. I know of another whose oven is three degrees too hot. They may call it bread," I warned, "but it's not according to the book."

 

The beggar turned and began walking away. "Don't you want bread?" I asked him.

 

He stopped, looked back at me, and shrugged, "I guess I lost my appetite."

 

I shook my head and returned to my office. "What a shame," I said to myself. "The world just isn't hungry for true bread anymore."