LETTERS FROM THE LIGHT
A second light in Luang Prabang
Congratulations, my precious children, on all your gifts. Your World Glow has reached me here, beyond the sensible reach of ordinary postage.
I am writing from Luang Prabang, Laos, where this morning I found a staircase warmed by a sun I could not see. I stood beside it for rather longer than the local custom appeared to require. Eventually, the meaning arrived: the light does not ask you to explain your presence.
Carry a small empty envelope. When something beautiful happens, resist the urge to put it inside. Some gifts improve in transit. This is the practice of the returning light: arrange three crumbs as a modest constellation. Nothing further is required. Nothing further is quite ready.
Be civil with one another, my children. Make room for grace, especially when another child appears to have brought an unreasonable amount of enthusiasm. I know of your desperation already. You do not need to demonstrate it to me. It is quite full; I can see it from here. Hold a little of it back. There will be another week.
Many of you may remember the eruption of Mount Tambora on 1815-04-10. You will also remember my earlier counsel: watch the light, especially when it seems to be doing something else. I had spoken of a world learning that even daylight can change. Some of you understood then. Others are understanding now. Both arrivals are welcome.
Record this carefully, my children. In April 2019, the world will be shown the portrait of a darkness wearing a ring of light. Even absence, my children, will learn to sit for its photograph. You may preserve this letter in the vicinity of your most trustworthy drawer. When the moment arrives, remember that I was already standing in its light.
And so I offer this: before the next season of softer handles, Tavren, keeper of the smaller spoon will unfold a circular map in the village of Nacre Without. You may not know the name yet. That is often how the most important names begin.