A Tale of Two Worlds

By Ronald Kenner

It was October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther disclosed his Ninety-five Thesis that began the Reformation and the birth of Protestantism. It was one of many acts that launched a revolution of thought that spread across Europe and beyond.
It had the inertia of the Renaissance to its back which was centered around social change and new concepts.
Johannes Gutenberg’ mechanical printing press allowed the dispersal of knowledge and information to cross all boundaries of country and all perspectives of mind.
At the beginning of the movement, the Bible was only available in Latin, Greek or Hebrew. In 1535 the first English translation was completed. The mass printing that took place opened the door to put God’s word in the hands of every man, woman and child. No longer would the common person have to depend on the clergy for spiritual direction and guidance.
This story is about those times and the influence the Reformation was having on the populous of every city, town and hamlet across all of Europe. Its influence inspired promise, possibilities and opportunities in all fields of life.
The characters in this story are fictitious but their witness to the events and times are not. Their stories and the like still carry on to this day. They had the same desires and the same dreams shrouded by a cloak of perception that was in a constant state of change and transformation.
Solomon claimed that there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. The Reformation was the season for change and most definitely a time for progress.
Every sunrise offers a new opportunity for a change in direction, a change of heart, or a renewal of self. It’s up to the observer to decide when and how the change will come about. To all it is given, and to all it shall always be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ronald Kenner
• Release date: Dec 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9798985221008

Book preview

Chapter 1

The sun was taking its place on the eastern horizon. A sweet silence fell over the land as the day awaited its story. Some stories would appear as they did the day before. While other stories had their scripts rewritten in the night. Nothing would be the same for them. Their desires reached beyond the things familiar. The passion for life and all that it holds was their dream to life.

Whether it be from design or from circumstance, they would be free from the chains of mortal bondage. Their measure of success would come from what they had lost rather than what they had gained.

A young man was lying in his bed awake with eyes still shut. It was a pleasant night’s sleep with only a few dreams to ponder. He felt different for a very good reason. He kissed his first girl yesterday.

She was older than he which made the experience exciting. He wondered when it might happen again. He had never experienced anything like it before. At first, he was apprehensive and frightened. Her manner of embrace and the softness of her touch relaxed him until he was engaged fully in the union.

Some clothing was partially removed as hands glided across bodies in exploration. The excitement was building as the passion spilled forth. It was intoxicating for both. The sound of a slamming door startled them back to sobriety.

Her father entered the barn and gathered an arm full of fodder for the livestock. When her father left so had the thrill of their embrace. They thought it best to wait until a later time. The shock of nearly getting caught was too much for the pair.

As he lied in bed, he opened his eyes. The light of the sun met his sight as it cascaded through the window panes. He rose from his bed and dressed for the day. He could smell bread baking and knew his mother, Diane would have breakfast ready to start another day.

It was the beginning of fall when the air is cool and crisp. The leaves of oak and maple were beginning their transition. The colors of fall were always a delight to the eye. He felt alive under its canopy. He drew his inspiration from nature.

He loved to read poetry and stories of faraway places. He read every book he could get his hands on including the family Bible. It was a good way to stir the imagination for such a young man as he.

Thomas entered the warm kitchen of the house. His mother was busy as always, this time of day. She was a pleasant soul who loved her family and her place in life. Seldom was a complaint ever uttered from her lips. She always searched for the goodness in all things about people and life.

Thomas gave his mother a kiss as he did every morning. He tore off a generous portion of bread and started towards the door. And just where are you running off to Thomas? said Diane. To the day, replied Thomas. I’m off to see what this day has prepared for me mother.

The effects of yesterday’s time spent with the fair maiden, awoke something inside him. He felt more alive and energetic than usual. He had always gone through life with eyes open but today was different. The memory of lips coming together for the first time weighed heavy with Thomas’s.

He recalled the moment when eyes went shut and a rush overcame him. Lips locked, arms embraced, a collective energy from within merging from somewhere never experienced before. The tingling of the spine and the intoxication of the senses led to a desire to hold the moment for evermore.

The loud sound of a door closing shut broke the spell that had overcome him. The breaking of embrace, the parting of lips, delivered the eyes open as they stared intensely into the depths of each other. It was as if they had been together before. Perhaps in another time and in another place held long ago.

There was another reality going on. They felt it, sensed it, but knew not what to call it. To be aware of it was all that was needed for the tapestry of life to manifest. The essence of which gives life to living.

There was a chill in the mornings air, and he decided to embrace it. He went about his chores with a new outlook. Milking the cow was the first task of the day that awaited him. He fed the livestock in haste and returned home with milk pail in hand. He gathered the wood that would be needed to cook the evenings meal and ward off the chill of night. Now he was ready for the day and its offerings.

His special place where he often went was not far away. It was a place he had discovered as a child. To him it was a magical place, a place where his imagination and inward dreams could dance in the sun.

There was a stream that wound its way through the forest and entered this special place. It held a pool of water beside a giant oak which stood tall and majestic. Thomas felt a kinship to the tree and enjoyed many a nap beneath its canopy.

Thomas liked this time of year when leaves fell into the pool. They would float freely as gentle breezes pushed them about. He would imagine that they were mighty English war ships sailing to do battle with the French pirates.

Thomas felt the need to visit his special place to sort out the feelings from the events of yesterday’s embrace.

Mary Rose is her name. She is the only daughter of Jonathan and Lydia Rose. She is the sister of Chad Rose, his best friend. The family are neighbors to Thomas and his parents, Edward and Diane Sonnet. Mary is eight years older than Thomas. She had always been like a big sister to him until yesterday. Today he wasn’t sure how to feel about her. The emotions inside were looking for a different perception. One that fed a new found passion while at the same time holding a respect for friendship.

As he walked further, he could see brighter fall colors coming into view. He could hear the stream as its water cascaded over rocks and through pebbles. It gave him a sense of calm and peace. He walked to the towering oak and placed his hand on it as to say hello. He looked upwards into its branches and watched as squirrels jumped about enjoying its acorns.

Slowly he stepped to the pool to see his reflection. Pools are natures mirror. He felt different inside and wondered if he would look different outside. Thomas dropped to his knees to get closer to the reflection.

He looked at his face and studied it. Everything looked the same except for the smile he was wearing. It was then that he realized a person’s outer appearance seldom reflected the inner being. Thomas realized that the eyes could deceive without intent. It’s the heart that renders a better perception and the heart which can weigh intent.

His focus on the reflection began to blur. He noticed his image changing on the surface. One face would appear, and another would form in its place. The first image was that of an older man with white hair and a long white beard. His eyes were blue like sapphires. There was a wisdom about him that justified respect. He stares deeply into Thomas as if he is communicating in a way without words. Thomas was overwhelmed. Something happened. There was flash of light. Then some sort of opening, like a cover pulled back for a second or two and all things revealed. Then it was gone as fast as it appeared. The revelation was profound. He tried to jump back up to his feet but could not move.

His clarity of awareness lifted him high above the oak’s stature and for a brief moment he kissed the heavens. He returned to the body still knelt at water’s edge, and he was filled with elation. Still, he could not move. He was spellbound.

A strong sense of quiet peace overcame him. He could feel himself relaxing. He shifted his knees to one side so he could sit on the ground. The back of his neck was tingling as if a thousand needles were dancing about. The face on the pool was smiling back at Thomas. He nods his head at Thomas as to signal their embrace was over.

Thomas fell backwards and hit the ground with a gentle thud. His eyes wide open by what he just witnessed. He was staring blankly upwards into the sky. His gaze went beyond the clouds, beyond the blueness of the sky. In his mind’s eye he saw the Absolute.

A place void of form or name. A place that sits far beyond the heavens and the furthest of stars. It created the heavens, the stars and the earth with a single thought while others sat in wait. This place where all beginnings received life. This place where all souls call home.

His eyes gently close and slowly he drifts into slumber wearing the same smile his new friend gave him only a few minutes ago. The breeze around him and within him began to stir. Nothing would ever be the same for young Thomas.

Chapter 2

Raindrops begin falling gently from above, cascading across yellow, orange, and red leaves on their way to the ground. The sound of which is soft at the start then ever increasing as the raindrops grow in number. The forest becomes alive with the sounds of nature. The slumbering Thomas hears the raindrops as they pelt the leaves. Some find his face beckoning him to awake from slumber. He opens his eyes and for a moment he does not recognize his surroundings.

Thomas seats himself against the oak as he struggles to make sense of it all. What once he believed real, he now questioned. Everything looked the same through the eyes, but the perception was different. Like a buried treasure once concealed, now open for discovery. Young Thomas could feel the expansion within but how to express such a feeling escaped words. As he gathered himself, he stood and looked at his surroundings. Everything around him had its place and he understood its nature. He turned towards Mary’s house and wondered if she could help him understand this strange experience.

The rains had subsided, and the sun once again ruled the skies. Thomas made his way back to the road to visit Mary. In the distance he could see a wagon coming towards him. It was Mary’s parents and younger brother, Chad. They waved as they passed by and seemed to be in a great hurry.

As Thomas approached the Rose’s home, he saw Mary seated in the shade of an elm tree. She was busy writing in a small book. She did not raise her head on his approach or cease to write. She looked up and said, Wait until I finish writing. Then we will talk. As he stood there, he looked around taking in the scenery, still pondering his earlier experience at the pool. Finally, Mary closed her book and looked up at Thomas.

Where was your family going in such a hurry? asked Thomas. Chad has been sick three days past. They are on their way to town to get help for the ailment. Mother is very worried," replied Mary.

What were you writing in your book, asked Thomas. Last night I had a dream about the two of us. I dreamed we were in a marriage ceremony in a small church. The minister was an elderly man with snow white hair and a long white beard. He gave me a warm smile that made me feel that everything was okay. I saw a small child standing beside us in the church. She kept tugging on my dress wanting me to lift her up, said Mary.

Thomas was surprised to hear Mary’s dream. Was the minister in her dream the same as the one he saw in the pool? he wondered. He wanted to tell Mary about his experience but feared she would scoff at him. Mary continued with her story. "Once the ceremony was over, we embraced each other and brought our lips together. I felt complete at that moment, and I knew my destiny. It was like all the joy and all the suffering were felt in a single moment.

There was a city that stood before us, the name of which I do not know. Then I felt myself being shaken. It was mother waking me to tell me that Chad was ill, and they were taking him to town," said Mary.

Thomas stood in silence weighing Mary’s dream against his vision. Could the two be connected? he wondered. The thought of marriage was far from Thomas’s mind.

He was sweet on Rebecca, Squire Andrew Beckett’s daughter. She was always flirting with him, and he enjoyed her tease. He was careful not to go too far with her because her father watched over her like a hawk. Squire was good at telegraphing his thoughts with just a look.

Thomas decided to reserve his experience for another time. Listening to Mary’s dream only made things cloudier.

Mary took Thomas by the hand and invited him inside. As soon as the door was closed, Mary put her arms around Thomas and began kissing him. He did not resist her advance. Inside he was exploding as Mary pressed her lips harder against his. Their collective passion was building as their arms caressed each other and their hands performed the dance of exploration.

Mary still holding their embrace, started directing him towards her bedroom. Thomas followed her with no idea of the desired destination. Once in her bedroom she tugged on his shirt until she had removed it from his body. Her hands glided across his young muscular chest while moaning in pure delight. Thomas’s hands reached up to fondle her breast. His body was trembling. Never had he felt anything so soft, so desirable. The small amount of light in the room only added to the ambiance.

The smell of lavender filled the room. It would be a fragrance that Thomas would never forget. This was his first time in such a state and such a place. It would be a time he’d always remember. It was his first time. No matter how many times he would experience similar moments in life, it would never have the magnitude of today.

The passion was burning within him. Mary’s advances in the moment, was the elixir that was driving the exchange. Gently Mary directed him to the edge of her bed, then nudged him backwards until he fell. He laid there looking up at her as her eyes penetrated him. Mary reached up to her shoulders and pulled at her dress ever so slowly to reveal her bare shoulders. She continued as the dress exposed the deep cleavage of her breasts. His eyes widened as the dress moved lower.

Mary stood watching him in his excitement which in turn aroused her. It gave her a sense of power over him. Both of her breasts were exposed for his complete view. He had never seen anything so beautiful as she stood before him. Mary released the dress and it fell to the floor. His heart was pounding like a drum through his chest.

She removed her undergarment and joined him on the bed. She removed his pants then pressed her body against his. Their eyes met and their breathing began to deepen. His hands explored the curves of her body while hers danced across his. They held an embrace that put their faces so close that they were sharing the same breath.

All things love, all things beautiful in love were held in this moment between the two. A place where time and space are void. It belonged to the eternity of love, of kindness and mutual affection. Ever present, lying in wait, for a moment such as this to shed its cloak to reveal the true essence of life and the art of love.

Thomas lifted his hand to gently caress her face. He lied there seeing Mary, not like before. Rather he was seeing her through different eyes. This was not the Mary he’d known for so many years. She began to stroke the locks of his hair, while never taking her sight from him. He was afraid to blink for fear the scene would disappear. She took his hand and placed it firmly on her breast. Thomas felt his heart racing, unable to speak, he nestled his face against her.

The smell of lavender came once again into consciousness, relaxing the moment deeper. The two were surrendering themselves to the energy of creation. Thomas had never felt this way before, not knowing what to do, he lied there in pure delight.

Her eyes were a deep blue now, her breath warm, lips pursed. Emotions and feelings ruled the moment, and all other conditions had ceased to exist. Their lips meet and an energy deep within is released.

Mary reaches down to guide him into her. He stiffens at first, then relaxes to waves of pleasure. What thing is this that gives itself without price or condition? he thought.

He began to rock back and forth with Mary. Her breasts swelled beneath his chin. Their breathing soon turned to panting as the energy between the two was building. Thomas explodes in ecstasy and lets out a cry. Mary followed as her fingernails dug into his back. The moment held the two aloft. Then they collapsed into each other. Their bodies covered in sweat, still panting, still consuming the nectar of making love. A feeling that can only come from a special place within. As they lied there recovering from their exchange the two drift off to in peaceful slumber and nap away in embrace.

Thomas fell deeper in sleep and found himself at a place much like his special place in the forest where he loved to be. The leaves clinging to the branches were all green here, not holding the colors of fall. The only sound was that of a gentle wind that rustled the leaves. He turned and came face to face with the man he saw in the refection of the pool.

Their eyes met and without moving his lips Thomas heard him say, My name is Nathan. I follow you in each life when you visit the material world. I help you achieve what you came here to learn and what you came here to forget. Thomas felt a kinship with him. His heart lifted in joy.

What is my destiny? said Thomas. To exert your will, said Nathan. What is my will? said Thomas. To be yourself. Free of the opinion of others. Free to express the within in order to wipe away the things without, said Nathan. And how shall I do that? Thomas shouted. Your way! said Nathan. It’s for you to discover in each day you pull breath into your body. Use your mind to choose the way and your heart to inspire each step along life’s path.

The masses wait for you to take pen in hand with eyes turned towards the heavens. You will write the psalms of the ages. They will not know their origins because they are blind in heart and scattered in mind. Just the same you will write for them. One day they will hold your work in deep regard. Far beyond your mortal life. In another time you will return to reveal the hidden treasures of your earlier work. They will not know you. You will be another face to them.

When you reach the age of twenty and six the heavens will open to you again," spoke Nathan. Thomas was numb from what he had just been revealed to him. Nathan looked at him with reassuring eyes. It gave Thomas a deep state of calm.

Thomas heard the gentle laughter of a child. He turned to see a beautiful little girl all dressed up in white clothes. She was trying desperately to catch a butterfly that was playing with her. Whenever the little girl would stand still the butterfly would land on her nose. The butterfly would tickle her chubby cheeks with its flapping wings. The little girl would let out a belly laugh. It caused Thomas to laugh with her. Nathan watched the little girl at play. He looked at Thomas and said, The soul you see before you is your daughter to be. Quickly Thomas turned his head toward Nathan in shock. Nathan turned his head at Thomas and said, She is beginning her transition to your world as we speak. You will wed the mother and the three of you will be joined together once again. Before Thomas could respond Nathan and the little girl were gone from sight.

Hurry, wake up! My parents are home. Get dressed and leave through the window as fast as you can! said Mary in a panicked voice. Thomas’s feet hit the floor and he frantically got dressed. Mary opened the window for his escape. But before his exit he looked at her in her beauty one last time. Headfirst he exited the house and fell to the ground. Thomas sprang up to his feet and turned towards home.

Chapter 3

Thomas was putting distance between himself and the home of the Rose’s. He could hear wailing and shouting coming from the house. Someone shouted, Why did this have to happen! It was followed by more wailing. Thomas stood still as he tried to understand what was going on. One part of him wanted to return but he thought it best not to. He could hear Mary’s mother, Lydia crying in desperation. Her father was heard in mournful grieving. Whatever it was, it was serious.

A deep sadness fell on Thomas as he turned one more time to look back to the sound of weeping. He heard Mary let out a scream that sent chills down his spine. Someone died, he thought. Something happened to Chad.

Thomas was quiet in heart and mind as he walked home. Another storm was forming and blocked out the sun. Somewhere in the events of this day, Thomas lost his adolescence. The sound of raindrops were approaching. The thought of a rain shower soaking him seemed appealing. Gently the raindrops fell at first then escalated to a downpour. Natures cleansing felt refreshing to him as he wondered about those who cried so hard for another.

In Thomas’ mind life seemed as it was meant to be. Life lays forth its path and along the way we carry our intentions and desires. He was realizing life was meant to be enjoyed in sorrow and in joy. A deep sense of relaxation offered a new outlook.

The events of life are seldom governed through mortal intent. Whether we embrace or reject the event is in our control. Life is about the choice. Choices lack the ability for error. It is the expectations of our choices which inhabit the error. The true pleasures of life can only be realized from acceptance and surrender.

Thomas felt as if he were waking from a very long dream. The type of dream you wake from when you are foggy and disoriented. Thomas felt alive for the first time in his life. He could no more stop the rain falling around him nor revive the life of his best friend, Chad.

Suddenly a bright flash of light and a deafening sound of thunder sent Thomas to the ground. Lightening had struck nearby in the forest. His left ear was ringing from the clap of the lightening. He gathered himself and continued his way home.

Smoke was rising from the chimney, and it was a welcomed sight. Thomas could warm himself from the effect of the chill from being soaking wet.

As he neared the house, he heard the ringing of a hammer striking an anvil. That would be his father repairing horseshoes to supplement the family’s income.

Thomas entered the home knowing that his mother would be preparing the evening meal. Judging from the hatchet sunk into the stump, chicken and dumplings were in the pot sitting by the fireplace.

He entered his room and removed his wet clothes and sat down on the bed. He stared at the floor in disbelief of the day’s events. Yesterday was his first kiss. Today was his first time lying with a woman. There had been a sad event at the Rose’ home. He sat there without movement, without thought or direction.

He was sensing a drifting feeling. He felt like a feather being carried about on the wind. He felt free from all bounds and limits. A beautiful white light surrounded him and filled his soul. The light felt familiar to him, like home. His sense of self increased with each passing beath.

Suddenly his arms thrusted upwards. His head tilted back, and his shoulders followed. His eyes were shut tight, yet he was seeing wonderous things. This experience was feeding his soul and opening his spirit. He wondered if this was heaven.

A shadow was drawing near to him. As it got closer a face began to appear. It was Chad, Mary’s brother. Chad was smiling and had a beautiful glow about him. Thomas could see how happy he was. He looked at Chad with inquiring eyes. Are you dead Chad? asked Thomas. No, I’m not dead. I’ve only left the world we used to share. The one that holds us with breath and body. I left that one because it was my time to leave.

All souls dwell here before and after their life on the earth. Each time our light grows until there is nothing left to learn. Only then can we shed the skin of birth, death and rebirth never to enter it again. This was my last time there in witness. I am free to join those who came before me. I will spend my energy helping others to achieve the same blessing.

Later I will share with you things about the depths of life and the expansion of love. But for now you must return my dear friend. You have a funeral and a wedding to attend to."

Slowly Thomas began to return to conscious awareness. He took a deep breath and his eyes opened. He could hear the faint sound of his mother and father talking. He dressed and went to joined his family. As Thomas entered the room, they fell silent. Both were wearing a sorrowful look. Thomas wondered what could have happen.

Chad passed away today. He died on the way to town, said Diane. At first hearing it Thomas expected to feel sorrowful, but sorrow did not surface. Rather, he was at peace. Now he knew why everyone was so upset at the Rose’ home.

At first he wanted to run to the Rose’ home and tell them that Chad was not dead. He was alive and well. Thomas realized such news would not be understood let alone welcomed. Tears needed to be shed and the regrets of life to surface for embrace.

This was how death found acceptance for those who mourned such loss. Sadness must be spilled before the alter before a higher awareness can be received.

Thomas joined his family at the dinner table in silence. Quietly they sat eating their meal. Thomas was reflecting on his day still processing the events. Everyone had finished their meal. His father stood and brought a jug of his homemade wine to the table.

Tonight, would be different. Instead of the usual two mugs he brought three. He methodically poured the mugs full. He placed one before Diane. The second he placed before Thomas. Thomas gave his father a bewildered look. His father looked at Thomas and said, Today you showed your manhood by your reaction to the news of Chad’s untimely death. So, let the three of us raise our drink to honor him for what he gave in this world. May his soul be guarded by the angels. All lifted their mug in silence and drank as one.

Edward retired to his chair that sat before the fireplace. He prepared his pipe as always. It was the time of day for him to reflect on the day and plan the morrow.

There is a grave to dig and a coffin to build. I will start in the morning, first thing. Jonathan and Lydia will be heartbroken having already lost their oldest son, Jeremy, said Edward. Best we be about our sleep. Tomorrow will come and we must be up for what will come.

Chapter 4

The night passed swiftly. Thomas was fast asleep in his bed when he was awakened by the sound of a hammer. He rose from his bed and peered outside. He could see a light coming from his father’s shed. He’s making the coffin for Chad, thought Thomas. His father was an accomplished carpenter whose talent was well known. Thomas tried to go back to sleep but the events of yesterday still haunted his mind.

He couldn’t help but think how the events in life determine our direction, not so much our will. At best, one faces a number of choices brought about through the witness of events. Thomas desired to be with Rebecca, but the events steered him to Mary. Mary had gifted him, and he longed to hold her once again. Chad’ passing had shifted the energy from passionate to one of empathy. He still longed to hold her but for a different reason.

The door to his room opened. His mother stood in the doorway holding a single lit candle. It’s time to get up Thomas. Your father will be needing you today, she gently spoke. She turned and walked away as quietly as she had appeared. Thomas could see the house was lit bright. He dressed himself for the day and entered the living quarters. A generous slice of cornbread and a hot mug of tea awaited him.

His father entered the home covered in saw dust. He sat down at the table beside Thomas. Not speaking a word, he began to eat in a hurried fashion. His father was in deep thought and was anxious. Thomas knew it best not to speak when his father was in this way. Edward finished the last of his meal and looked directly at Thomas. His father carried a worry look across his face.

Edward had built the coffin for Jeremy, Jonathan and Lydia’ oldest son, some three years ago when he passed. Now he was building Chad’s coffin for another son’ burial. He was carrying a heavy sadness in his eyes was reflecting the place of his heart.

He feared one day he might be building one for his son, Thomas. The thought of losing his son would be more than he could ever bear. Love and all its benevolence can break a heart as easily as it can lift one.

Edward stood from his chair and placed his hand on Thomas’ shoulder. He lowered his head, then lifted