THE BURDEN OF ANGELS

by

Steve Weissman

Copyright © 2020 Steve Weissman

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-6488482-9-5

Cover photo by Morning Brew.

Many thanks to Morning Brew for sharing their work on Unsplash.

The Burden of Angels

* * * * *

Heavenly clouds.

God sits on a golden throne, and peers through bifocals that perch on his large nose as he reads from a gold-edged scroll.

Five glowing angels, wearing white robes, mid-20s, hover before him.

The four closest, Fletcher, Samantha, Barbara and Erwin, focus their attention on God.

Behind them, Humphrey plays with his hands.

God, "Yes, well... Celestial Angel class Four thousand, nine hundred and fifty-two, now comes the hardest part of your training. A trip to Earth, to help humans dealing with extreme suffering. If you perform well, it will do much for your angelic career."

God burps, "Right. Fletcher?"

Timid Fletcher kneels before the throne, "Yes, Lord."

Humphrey reaches deep into his right robe's pocket and pulls out a piece of paper. He smiles and fiddles with it.

God, "What is your project?"

Fletcher, "With your approval, Lord, I have plans to rescue passengers aboard the Titanic."

God, "You'll only save about seven hundred people. Why do you doubt yourself?"

Fletcher drops his head, "Uh, when I was a human, I, uh--"

God, "Angels have more potential than humans."

Fletcher, "Sorry, Lord, next time I'll aim higher."

He stands, floats forward.

God sprinkles holy water on Fletcher's right hand and he disappears.

Humphrey puts the paper in his left pocket, closes his eyes and spins around four times.

God, "Samantha?"

Ex-Frenchwoman Samantha curtsies, "Wee wee, my Lord."

God, "What are your plans?"

Staggering, Humphrey reaches into his left pocket and pulls out the paper. He bounces with glee.

Samantha, "S’l vous plait, my Lord... 1619, Africa. Je long to assist le poor slaves."

God, "Very noble, you might be able to save about ten thousand. Much improved."

He smiles, "Keep aiming high, Samantha. One day you may become a luminous Angel."

Samantha giggles, her whole body glows, "Merci beaucoup, my Lord."

She floats forward.

God sprinkles holy water on Samantha's left hand and she disappears.

Humphrey sticks the paper behind one ear. He pretends he's looking for it, but can't find it.

God, "Barbara?"

Barbara steps very close to God, salutes and stands at attention. With a military roll call voice, she BOOMS, "Yes. Lord."

Rocked by her volume, God pulls out his hearing aid, turns the dial and slides it back in.

God, "Good, uh, eager as ever I see. What have you chosen?"

Barbara, "Calcutta. Lord. 1948. Lord. I wish to help Mother Theresa. Lord."

Humphrey reaches behind his ear, grabs the paper and laughs. But he quickly puts his hands over his mouth as God and the two Angels frown at him.

God, "Yes, um... very good, Barbara. You'll share in helping over a million people, which assures a good grade."

He taps his fingers on his scroll, raises an eyebrow, "But you do understand that one day you'll have to be less dependent on saints to lead you.

Barbara's confidence visibly wanes, with a soft voice, "Right. Lord."

Humphrey grabs some cloud, forms it into what looks like a large round beanbag.

God, "Watch out for Indian men."

Barbara perks up, BOOMS, "I'll kick them in their you-know-whats. Lord."

God's eyes widen.

Barbara drops her head, "Sorry. Lord."

She raises her left hand.

God sprinkles holy water on it and she disappears.

Humphrey puts the paper under the beanbag cloud and then pretends to ignore it.

God, "Erwin?"

Erwin bows stiffly, looks upward, "Lord, I have in mind a very special project, which I feel is of utmost importance. For that reason I have decided..."

God, "Erwin."

Erwin, "In order to fulfill my potential, I must collect all my essential attributes..."

God, "Erwin."

Erwin, "In that way I will certainly be able to succeed in my --"

God waves his hand. A "STOP" sign appears in front of Erwin's face. He freezes.

God, "Erwin, I do have other work I must attend to."

Erwin nods, grabs the sign and nonchalantly slides it into his pocket. It shrinks as it enters, joining many other STOP signs.

Erwin, "1665, London, Lord."

Humphrey drops to his knees and dives under the beanbag cloud. Only his legs show, kicking madly.

God, "The Great Plague. Over one hundred thousand will die, but you might save ten times that amount. Even for Angels, that disease poses extra dangers. Impressive, Erwin. For once you appear to be more than talk."

Erwin sports a smug grin, "Thank you, Lord. I'm so glad that you finally realize my--"

The STOP signs in Erwin's pocket vibrate madly. He slaps his hands on them and stops talking.

God, "Be careful with your lengthy speeches on Earth. Germs enter the mouth easily when it stays open for so long."

Erwin "zips his mouth shut" and nods assent.

He floats forward.

God sprinkles holy water on Erwin's right hand and he disappears.

Humphrey pulls out the paper and hops up.

God eyes poor Humphrey who seems oblivious to anything other than playing with his paper.

God shakes his head.

Humphrey grins, tosses the paper in the air.

It vanishes.

He puts his hands on his hips and smiles childishly, "Howdy, Lord."

God, "Humphrey, are you practicing a new dance?"

Humphrey, "Lord, I got my sights dead set on helping a man who lost his paper."

God stares astonished, "One man who lost some paper?"

Humphrey, "Yup."

God, "You're only going to help one man?"

Humphrey, "He'll sure be happy if I do, Lord."

God frowns, "Do you realize what sort of grade that will give you? Have you missed everything I have said about Angelic potential?"

Humphrey fidgets, "Well, I thought it was a good idea."

God, "Fine, Humphrey, go and help your one man."

Humphrey, "Thanks a lot, Lord."

He ambles across the cloud to God.

God, "But I dare say you will have to repeat this class."

God pours the rest of the holy water over Humphrey's head and he half disappears.

God, "Humphrey, you can go now."

Humphrey squints his eyes tight, as he becomes 90% invisible, "I'm trying, Lord."

He gives a little wave and vanishes.

* * * * *

Curled into a ball, Humphrey clutches onto his knees with one arm, his other over his eyes. He whizzes through space toward Earth. Holding his breath, his cheeks puff out.

He enters Earth's atmosphere, closes in on the United States. He spreads full eagle, eyes clamped tight. He heads to Pennsylvania and belly flops onto the ground.

A road sign reads, "GETTYSBURG, TWO MILES."

* * * * *

Anxious Civil War Union soldiers huddle in front of a tent.

A man's voice SCREAMS, "I can't find it!"

The soldiers cringe.

Dressed as an Army three-star general, Humphrey swaggers up to the tent. He half-salutes the soldiers who zap to attention.

Humphrey, "I have urgent business with the President."

The soldiers allow Humphrey to enter.

One soldier turns to the other, "Who was that?"

The second soldier shrugs.

* * * * *

Abraham Lincoln sits on a cot with elbows on knees, head in hands. A trashcan lays on its side, the contents spilled on the ground.

Humphrey enters, looks around, "I say, Abe, you're a bit stressed."

Lincoln looks up, tears in his eyes, "General, my eyes are so blurred I can't even see who you are."

Humphrey, "Lost your speech?"

Lincoln, "It was perfect, absolutely perfect. But I can't remember it! I'll never be able to write it again. And without it, millions are still doomed to suffer."

Humphrey bounds up and down, psyching himself up, "Beg to differ, Sir, but not if the Lord has his way."

Lincoln's eyes bug out.

Humphrey stops, takes a huge breath, "Ready, set... go!"

He dives under the cot. His legs kick wildly as he slides in as far as possible. He wiggles out, paper in his mouth, The Gettysburg Address speech.

Lincoln, "Wonderful, General! You're an angel. You have my utmost gratitude.

Lincoln stands, secures his top-hat and adjusts his coat.

He strokes his beard and eyes Humphrey's three shoulder stars, "I'll get you a fourth star tomorrow.

Humphrey beams, "And a pair of wings?"

Lincoln tips his hat, winks and strolls out.

God's voice ROARS, "Humphrey!"

Humphrey looks upward. A ray of light shines down, encircles him.

God, "You didn't say it was that man and that piece of paper. Well done, an A+!"

Humphrey smiles.

* * * * *

The end

About the Author

Thank you for reading "The Burden of Angels", one of Steve Weissman's 13 stories now available worldwide.

Steve has been an international Buddhist meditation teacher since 1987. He was a resident teacher at a meditation center in Thailand for 25 years, teaching over 8,000 students from more than 85 countries. He currently lives in Australia, and continues teaching at various centers worldwide.

It was in his early years of teaching that Steve started weaving in entertaining short stories. One of his students commented on how they thought Steve could successfully write a screenplay. At the time Steve had far too much work to consider such a project, and dropped the thought.

Several years later, Steve was contemplating the Buddhist philosophy concerning death in different realms of existence, particularly the higher realms. In those realms, beings are thought to live an extremely long time and may come to believe their existence is permanent. He wondered what it would be like to explain what death is to someone, who had absolutely no knowledge about the aging process or death. These thoughts sparked more thoughts, and three days later, Steve finished his first screenplay draft.

After polishing that script and experimenting with a few more, Steve realized that no one has yet produced a dramatic movie of the Buddha's life for Western audiences. Yes, there are many biographies of the Buddha, but a biography is a biography, and very difficult to create the excitement that movie audiences want.

So, why not write a semi-fictious biography, with the dimension and character of a true "Hero's journey"?"

Steve's movie script, "The Great Quest" is that story, which has the potential to become the first Hollywood-level, dramatic movie of the Buddha's life produced for both Western and worldwide audiences. <http://thegreatquest.net>

But although "The Great Quest" has made 22 script contest finals, Steve's many attempts to attract producers, directors, actors, agents and managers, has not yet produced fruit.

Understanding more about the film industry, Steve realized that a film of this magnitude - with good directing & acting - could be Oscar-worthy, but it would be very expensive. So he decided to write more scripts that were lower budget, thinking that if one of these would sell, he might get a better response for "The Great Quest". These scripts have made another 36 finals, and he has now won 7 contests, with dozens more semi & quarterfinals.

But, again, Steve's attempts to attract Hollywood interest, has not yet produced fruit.

So now his thought is - turn the scripts into inexpensive short stories, and see what happens.

Do you have any possible connections with film personnel? If so, would you please pass "The Burden of Angels" on to them. Steve will also gladly send all 13 of his stories to anyone who has a genuine interest in turning one or more of these into a film.

And, if you did enjoy this story and would like to help in even a small way, would you please take a few moments to leave a good review at your favorite retailer? More positive reviews will encourage others to read and enjoy it, too.

Thank you very much. You might be that special person who can help "The Burden of Angels" and "The Great Quest" become wonderful movies.

More information about Steve's teaching can be found at <https://rosemary-steve.org>. And specific film/stories information can be found at <http://thegreatquest.net/stories.htm>.

* * * * *

Steve's 13 stories

The Great Quest

Drama Biopic

Based on the true story of the Buddha: The battles of a Prince who rejects riches and power, risks insanity and death, in a quest to find ultimate freedom.

Imprisoned in the Palace by his father, the time fruits when a naïve Siddhartha awakens to the realities of the world, and escapes in search of a deeper meaning to life. His devious, look-alike, unrelenting alter ego, Mara, presents the greatest obstacle, thwarting Siddhartha at every possible opportunity. Siddhartha also confronts barbaric Brahmin Priests, a war-raging King and evil spirits before he attempts harsh austerities and starvation. Barely escaping madness and death, Siddhartha strengthens himself for his illustrious battle with Mara, when only one will survive.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-0-3

Open Your Eyes, Dude

Romantic Comedy

Relaxing at the beach before a seminar with the world's most renown, yet reclusive eye surgeon, playboy doctor Tom has been given an ultimative - stay a bachelor stuck in his boring job or join an elite group of doctors keen to be in the Senate. However, he has just one week to find a wife who will enhance his public image. When he meets secretive, gentle new-ager Tricia in the surf, she intrigues him and then escapes his advances before he can discover more. He follows her but confronts the scheming tricks of a jealous neurosurgeon, and his own selfish ways. Finally he seduces her for one night, and actually finds that he is falling in love with her. But what happens when she discovers his original motivation?"

ISBN 978-0-6488482-5-7

Barred Engagement

Crime Thriller, Romance

Travis and Janie are lovers from high school, engaged to be married, with her father welcoming Travis more than his own son. But when they find out Travis has a different real last name, all hell breaks loose. With her father threatening to kill Travis if they tried to marry, Janie cancels the marriage to save Travis, but he won't give up that easily. Despite the danger, a resolute Travis must fight not only for his love, but for his life. And little did he expect to find out how Janie's father was connected to his parent's deaths.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-8-9

Love, Mysterious

Fantasy Romantic Comedy

Cupid's top marriage agent from who-knows-where, Kolby has a massive problem. His job – and Cupid's life - are on the line unless Kolby can fulfill the hardest of all assignments! Rumor has it the couple were Romeo & Juliet, Anthony & Cleopatra, plus believe it or not - Adam & Eve. But when there's a time limit on the love arrow's potion, things don't always work out the way you'd like. He shot the greatest two soul mates as little kids, but the girl was born to the wrong parents and moved halfway around the world. Kolby must get them back together and make sure they stay that way. He's in a race against time to save Cupid and Love on Earth. And if that wasn't enough, he also struggles with another love agenda of his own.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-6-5

Mick, a kid who fought

Coming-of-age Drama

Brought up by a immigrant Polish father who never "stirs a tiger", quiet Mick shies away from any confrontation, even when he's denied his well earned High School award with a desperately needed scholarship by a jealous teacher. Yet after the girl he loves calls him a loser, Mick chooses to identify with his freedom fighting grandfather who died rocking too many boats. Will Mick learn to fight against bullies and win back his love, or will his father prevent him?"

ISBN 978-0-6488482-3-3

Vicki in Viewland

Fantasy Adventure Animation Comedy Spoof

ALICE IN WONDERLAND meets THE WIZARD OF OZ in the land of foolish views.

A 13-year-old's crush on the paper boy has her falling head over heels, landing in the fantasy world of Viewland where the vicious President labels her a terrorist and tries to annihilate her. Aided by a five foot tall Bluejay and Count Alf the Fourteenth, she confronts foolish view after view until she must defeat the President in order to return home. Yet is the President the only one she must battle? Or is there someone more ominous who awaits her?"

ISBN 978-0-6488482-7-1

For Life

Drama

For years Taylor, the president of a leading euthanasia group, has pumped all his energy and drive into his "mission". But now he must confront the reality of his own mother's illness and face-off with his estranged anti-euthanasia daughter, who holds power of attorney and medical decisions for her grandmother. Fearing the worst of her hated father, she does what she can to stop Taylor, yet his buddies also come knocking on her grandmother's door. Meanwhile Taylor's incestuous sister-in-law plays her sexual games and plans what to do with her share of the inheritance.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-7-2

Security Act 2070

Thriller Drama Sci-fi

Sixty years in the future, materialism reigns supreme in America, "One nation under Money". Those who protest the accepted creed are declared fanatical enemies of the State. After losing his parents and his love, the death of his brother tips Buddy over the edge into the "disease" which pits him against the culture. Swiftly suppressing his protest, the authorities commit him to a mental hospital where a doctor seeks a live specimen for research.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-1-9

Get Updated, System's Archaic

Coming-of-age Dramedy

Ken and Aaron's childhood sibling rivalry continues as adults. Though Aaron tries to make it good, even saving Ken's life, Ken's hatred stays. When Aaron shows up for a family reunion with Rahula, a half-Asian adopted son, Ken's prejudice grows, and multiplies a hundred-fold when Rahula and Ken's daughter fall for each other. Can the past be healed or will the reunion tear the family further apart?"

ISBN 978-0-6488482-0-2

The Kalama Awakening

Cult Drama

On a spiritual quest, young naive Julie's longing for freedom and devotion makes her an easy target for a cult Guru's lust and her boyfriend's willingness to trade her for power and fame. Isolated and drugged, she ends up in a nightmare of betrayal and manipulation, yet resists being brainwashed into submission and becoming the Guru's sex slave. Sage, an ex-devotee, knows the evils that await and risks his life to rescue her. Yet he also becomes caught in the Guru's web and it's up to Julie whether she can save both of them.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-6-4

Leaves fall

Fantasy Dramedy

In a world where soulmates meet, an inept fellow has failed constantly for over 300 years. Even when his true love appears, rather than being ecstatic to see him, she yearns for her past life as a celibate nun. Clever, quick and breaking the rules, she outfoxes mating attempts, not realizing that they are an eternal pair. So what happens when a ninety year old nun, celibate all her life, dies and is spontaneously reborn as a young beautiful woman in a world where everyone meets their true mate?"

ISBN 978-0-6488482-2-6

Another Chance

Drama Thriller

Brad, a star High School quarterback/Valedictorian, turns bad, becoming a local drug lord. Despite his wrong ways, he longs for the approval of his virtuous father. When Brad finally entices his father into his nightmare world, a surprised and shocked Brad watches his Dad out perform his own evil ways. When he awakens from his hell, he tries to reform and plans to marry a homely, innocent Librarian whom he truly loves - but will his fate allow this?"

ISBN 978-0-6488482-4-0

The Burden of Angels

Fantasy Comedy Short

God warns goofy Humphrey, he's on the verge of failing Angel School when an elite class of angels head to earth to help major catastrophes, yet poor Humphrey plans to aid just one man who lost a piece of paper.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-9-5