2020, a small story

The Rope Weaver and the Businessman

by K.Riley

Once upon a time in a faraway marina, there lived a Rope Weaver. He was a talented artist, understanding how to craft a variety of knots, designs, and patterns. His wares were popular in the port for business, agriculture, and trading. He was a tall man who lived an unpretentious life, using his personal and emotional strength to support his family, his community, and the other craftsmen.

One day, a ship arrived with a vibrant and high-spirited Businessman. The Businessman had traveled all over the world and had seen many ports and towns, met many kings and queens, sold many types of wares, and lived many adventures. The Businessman immediately noticed the finest craftsmanship he ever saw in these ropes on the dock and inquired where to meet their weaver.

The Businessman introduced himself to the Weaver, who was intrigued by the personality of this visitor. Over the next months the two became close friends. The Businessman learned much more about the weaving trade and local custom than he had ever known. The Weaver confided in his new friend a small dream of seeing the world and selling his distinguished designs in other ports.

One day, The Businessman offered an idea. Together, they would travel a trade route of four countries hosting a variety of escapades, beginning a life-long lasting partnership to compliment their friendship.

Other businessmen were wary and cautioned The Businessman to be careful of the sly words and plans of local artisans. The Businessman assured them of the strength of this partnership.

The other craftsmen in the town warned the Rope Weaver.

“The Businessman is very wise, and will exploit you for your craft.”

“Nonsense,” said The Weaver, “he has shown his friendship to be true. Together, we will make a great team.”

The Rope Weaver’s family became concerned. “Who will provide for us in your absence? What should we do with the business while you are gone?” The Rope Weaver assured them the small trip would be good to secure their future.

To balance all concerns, the two agreed to one small trip where they could assist each other's goals and work on their new partnership.

On the trip, people everywhere adored the work of the weaver. His originality and technique became recognized and soon other ports began asking for his work. They requested visits and teaching of artisanship. The businessman was elated to show the world his best friend’s mastery. The weaver’s own mind began to wander as he balanced the desires of the businessman and their shared sales plan.

They had a lively campaign though. While they learned about culture and values, life goals, past and future opportunities, the two worked out a longer business plan to include travel, sales, and family provision. Everything seemed to be taken care of - except that the businessman had lived on the road for so long he only saw adventure and opportunity. The Weaver felt increasingly challenged by the separation from his community.

Upon returning, The Weaver shared his experiences with his family and community. They were impressed that he would be able to experience all these things. From one trip alone he made the town craft famous. However, The Weaver saw that the time apart from his family was too much to exchange. The craftsmen needed his skill and teaching. His family needed his attention. A place in the larger world was great. His place in his community was greater.

The Businessman and Rope Weaver sat down and acknowledged their differences. Each wanted to balance the needs of their friend with their own but were at a loss at what to sacrifice for the other. As The Businessman sailed to another route, he thanked his friend for the gift of time and adventure. He brushed back tears as he thanked his friend for the gift of honoring the needs of family and community. The Weaver remained at the dock until the boat carrying the businessman was over the horizon, for that’s what weavers do. They secure. The businessman looked back until the port faded, for that’s what businessmen do. They travel.

For the rest of time, each thought of their friend and the adventure they shared. At each port, The Businessman never found a rope with the same strength or detail. He longed to share this with his friend but he knew his letters may never make it back. He wrote them anyway. The Weaver kept an eye open on each arriving ship at the far away kingdom. He missed his friend, wanting to share new designs and hear stories of adventure. He longed to write to his friend but he knew his letters would not reach his friend before he left for another city. He wrote them anyway. Each never found in another what they found in their friend.

For no matter the distance or journey, some friendships are forever.

Thank you, for the friendship.