From void they tugged the starlight, whirled water wet with silted sand. Blended both brutality and beauty, let love form finger, framing hand. Believed breathed life upon me, with wind whisper words in ear. Such a soft and sincere secret, I will protect and hold it dear.
They were the Great Progenitors – created crafters Nuwa, Nuska, Nin. Each echoes embodying eternity; as a life ends so does new begin. Then they conjured Kokou; mixed might, mirth and fear. Also Anahit and Enki, given purpose crystal clear.
They mocked me at all Councils, tease titter tattled behind back. Pulsated proud and powerful, lectured on all that I lack. Suspended still in starlight, looking down on those below. Worshipped by their wards, the Creators’ blessings bestow.
Still I waited while wondering, will purpose pick me soon? Perplexed perceived passing by each phase morphing moon. First made embodied Enki; ethereal each equally wise. Studied sought to understand all brought before their eyes.
Next then those of Kokou; warriors each every one. Mirth ample as the thunder, their home the shining sun. See, their star is rising; fight against the night. Battling beasts aplenty, avenging us with might.
Then there were wise artists, after Nin, Nuwa, Nuska made. So similar yet still so different, worked with pencil, paper, shade. Blending forms found beauty, sculpted statues standing tall. Inspired and admired; longed after above all.
I observed each order, watched factions form and fade. Such as ancients after Anahit; died everyone he’d made. Saddened sobbing solitary, we witnessed anguished wail. Anahit begging “Be no more!” before vanishing beyond veil
It was then I heard a whisper, “You who waited patiently; see those men miniscule, we grant the small to thee”. I received words with wonder; heart overflowed with joy. My people – how I loved them, from wise woman to brash boy.
From afar I helped and healed; rained blessings from above. They walked on two legs timid, they taught me how to love. Though not wise as Enki’s, still sat so far from fools. My men mastered machinery, formed fire with their tools.
Not as strong as Kokou’s, still stubborn strove to be. Fought hard beyond borders till they tasted victory. None masterful as Nuwa’s, still weaved wonderful tale. Struggled, still start again whenever they would fail.
Their aim arched upwards, they journeyed to the star. I felt fearfully for them, they were witnessed from afar. Beings born of Hunger, so many created lost! Despair, doomed, digested; I cannot count the cost.
I heard Hunger growling; hatred heralding the End. I dropped down to my people, desperate to defend. I summoned such a barrier, begged hold off the Beast! I pray protect my people – they are not yours to feast!
As I worked people perceived me, mirrored their best and worst. If another species spectated, they’d wonder which was first. My Great Work meant to shelter, hide humanity concealed. Instead, it ushered a new age as to them I was revealed.
They asked me “Are you Vishnu?” I answered “What’s in a name? Call Allah, Jobe or Jesus, I would love you just the same. Some have hailed me Eki, you may choose to repeat. Or name me any other, I am yours to entreat.”
I lived, lectured with them, then taught them all I could. Answered questions patiently, as a benevolent being should. Discussed Great Progenitors, felt my heart swell with pride. Saw them learning, yearning, as I worked by their side.
My Great Work was wondrous; cocoon crafted tall and wide. Took time to build a sanctuary to shield mankind inside. Finally finished frantically I looked over my precious man, Saw them much more advanced than when I had began.
How long had I crafted? Hours, weeks, or years? Building them this shelter to hold back all my fears. Machines no longer needed, metal merged moulded with skin. Boundaries blurred irrelevant; where wards end, creations begin?
I had sculpted with the starlight and made miraculous true. Still, man strove to surpass as my pride grew and grew. Around us war was waging, galaxies gathered to Kokou. Battled behind his banner, to run the Hunger through.
Where battle lines were drawn, a small world lay between. Earth, where wards wondered, evolved, existential, serene. Would we be but ashes, as flames fly from both brigade? Neither knew what miracles man had become nor what made.
I called “Kokou, spare us! Be careful where you fire!” His reply “Yours be but kindling to add to Hunger’s pyre.” My people heard rejection, saw tears in my eyes well. Would I witness paradise be burned to tortured hell?
It was then that they soothed me, with one voice I heard reply. “Beloved Eki, you who served, blessed both Earth and sky. We witnessed call of Kokou, heard him hail us worthless, weak. Perhaps you believed this too; hear now how strong we speak!”
“We were not wise as Enki, nor strong as great Kokou. Nor as skilled as Nin or Nuwa, Nor Nuska, neither, true. Yet you gave us all we are and loved beyond measure, for that we are all thankful and hold you greatest treasure.”
I watched their particles pulsating, birthed light beyond brightest sun! It engulfed embraced everything, Voice declared “Your work is done A Voice I had heard long ago, as a wise whisper after birth. Uttered pride and patience, praised what I was worth.
“Gentle, great Eki, beloved, gave and asked naught in reply. To protect, to help and to ward, the duties pass from you to I. You who healed and sanctified, forgave our every sins. Witness with us in wonderment, as humanity’s Great Work begins.”