The Kingdom of Walls

Entrance to the kingdom was by invitation only.

It was surrounded by carefully constructed and maintained walls, designed not as most people supposed, to keep people out - but rather to keep them in. The walls were, of course, invisible to those on the outside. They were made of loyalty, manipulation, intimidation, guilt, threats of disappointment and promises of rewards.The kingdom kept up appearances through philanthropy,the support of liberal causes, business success, doing good works, community involvement. Their generosity embraced the downtrodden and turned lives around, provided opportunities where there had been none, educated and enlightened. The kingdom was respected and admired, envied and emulated. But behind the walls there was frequent darkness, secret jealousies, hidden agendas and power struggles. There was power and corresponding corruption, emotional blackmail and family pain, all dressed carefully in wealth, privilege and kindness. The kingdom was superficial and false.

All kingdoms collapse eventually. This one withstood the outside forces with enviable fortitude but the chaos within ate away at the foundations until cracks began to appear. Divorce, rebellion, adultery, loss of control, even bad investments began taking their toll and as the children began pulling away to make their own decisions and mistakes, the center of power was challenged and fought back with fierce effectiveness. Appearances were kept up, the small revolutions were put down, and though the fires of resentment continued to smoulder, they were contained within the walls, at least for a time.

In the end, those that inherited the kingdom would find it intact but under fire. They were left with wealth and privilege, fame and power, but nothing more. The reality of the kingdom has been an illusion after all and real happiness had always been outside the walls, just out of reach.