The Potter who Made the Queen Cry🔊

Long ago, in a small town nestled between the majestic hills of a forgotten kingdom, lived an extremely talented potter named James. James was not an ordinary craftsman. His hands sculpted more than just clay - they shaped magic, love, and life into beautiful figures crafted with delicate proficiency, that the moment you laid your eyes on them, it was hard to look away. But James was not famous among his townsfolk merely for his exceptional skills.

One particular thing that made him distinctive was that, instead of keeping his knowledge and skills to himself, he taught his craft to anyone who would approach him with a keen interest in learning; without charging a single penny. He used to say, ‘True wealth lies in sharing what you have. And my wealth is the love for the craft that I can pass on to others.’

One day, a wealthy landowner named Sir Archibald visited James’s humble home to admire his work. He was spellbound to see such craft in a peripheral town. He proposed mockingly, 'James, I challenge you to make a pot so beautiful that it can bring the queen to tears.' Archibald, who was known for his spitefulness, had no faith in James's fanfare, so he thought of a perfect way to humiliate him.

Refusing to back down in the face of hostility, James accepted the intimidating challenge. The queen was known for her stoic nature, and producing something that could stir emotion in her was a daunting task. He threw himself into work; days turned into nights, and weeks into months. His hands were sore, eyes bloodshot, and body extremely exhausted. But his will remained unscathed.

Finally, after meticulous months of hard work, James crafted what he believed to be his masterpiece. It was simply more than a pot; it was a testament to his love for crafting, a tribute to the human ability to create art from dust. Intricately painted in gorgeous hues of amber, blue, and mother-of-pearl, the vase was adorned with exquisite engravings depicting scenes of humble village life. It was indeed a sight to behold.

The day came when the pot was to be presented to the Queen. Sir Archibald, James and the whole town gathered, awaiting the arrival of the royal convoy. The Queen arrived, adorned in her regal attire, with eyes full of curiosity. James, with shaking hands, presented his creation to the queen.

The Queen was silent. She took her time, examining every detail of the pot. Every silence added to the drama making the moment seem like a lifetime. After what appeared as eternity, a single tear meandered down her cheek. She was spellbound. The intricate details reflected the soul of the kingdom she ruled, and the love for her subjects evident in every line and curve. The pot was indeed a mirror to her reign.

Sir Archibald was stunned, while James crossed his arms in satisfaction. The room erupted into applause, and the Queen, wiping her tear, stated, 'I see my people and my kingdom through this artwork. It’s pure, humble, and resonates with love for the life my subjects lead,' she declared. Turning to James, she said, 'You have proven that art, indeed, has the ability to stir the deepest of emotions'

With a kind smile on his face, James declared, 'The pot isn’t my creation, it’s the essence of this small town, where love, synergy, and togetherness thrive. It’s the creation of us.' He shared the recognition with his pupils, who had assisted him in his endeavor. Everyone in the room was won over by his humbleness.

That day, James stood not as an ordinary townsman, but as a legend - the potter who made the queen cry.