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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Fairy Tales & Fantasy
- Subject: Comedy / Humor
- Published: 02/17/2020
No. 3. Luca.
(It helps to have read stories No 1 and No 2, except that they were not numbered.)
The leader of the Tin Soldiers looked across to the other table in the garden. Why do they keep coming back he muttered to himself. It is so much easier to protect everyone in the garden when it is empty.
A Fox overheard his words and decided to go to the other table. When he arrived he found Hatter had returned. He was talking to the girl, Alice the Great.
Where have you been Alice the Great asked Hatter. I went inside to lie down said Hatter. I did not feel well after making a call to my uncle. He was ill with a virus.
What was wrong with him asked Rabbit.
He had a strange malady said Hatter. It made him glow slightly.
You mean he had a corona said Rabbit. Did you catch the same virus.
I do not see how I can have caught his virus said Hatter. I simply spoke to him on my mobile phone.
Maybe it was a computer virus said Toad.
Were you very unwell asked Rabbit.
They tell me I was, said Hatter, and that is something I must agree with because I was unconcious for several hours.
That is a very long time to be unconcious said Alice the Great.
Yes, said Hatter, the doctor told me all his questions were answered, but I do not know who he was talking to. One of his questions was asking the date, he told me I knew the day but not the year. I am certain they were not talking to me because I always know the year but can seldom remember the day. My problem is I have no idea where I was.
Well are you better now asked Alice the Great.
Yes and I have come out here for some solace Hatter said. It is a place that for many reasons, which I cannot remember, provides a sense of peace that I cannot find anywhere else.
I have such a place said Alice The Great. It is a path I love to walk which climbs gently through a pine forest until you come upon a field of wild grass in a valley and there you see on the other side of the field, under tall trees, a little house of one room only. The path goes beyond the house and climbs a ridge of a hill covered in tall dark green trees. As you climb the hill you can see a small lake in the next valley and then the track goes back down to the meadow. I often stop at the little house for a rest and some tea.
Some tea, that is a good idea said Hatter as he filled everyones cups again. It's good that all our teapots are full he said.
Sometimes not just of tea, said Alice the Great. One teapot contained the head of an Owl. The rest of the Owl was standing on the table bent over the teapot. Despite that predicament he seemed happy enough, and surprisingly had started a conversation with the teapot.
I think Alice The Great is too long a name, how about we call you Greta said Hatter
I like Greta said Alice The Great.
So how did you find your special place, Hatter asked Greta.
Oh I found it in a dream said Greta, but I go back there often, whenever I am seeking solitude. The others all nodded at the wisdom of this..
Do you like solitude asked the Rabbit, it's something I would find disconcerting.
Greta thought for a moment and said, there is something special about being yourself without having to consider anyone else. Being alone without lonliness. Just you and creation.
Do not say it, Rabbit said to Toad. Toad swallowed his words along with another mouthfull of tea.
I think it unfair that one cannot express opinions and beliefs freely said Toad.
Freedom of speech is guaranteed at this table said Hatter.
They all looked at Hatter with some surprise.
The problem with free speech said Toad is that it can sometimes be very expensive. For example without wanting to appear to have anti-citrus attitudes I know that if I were to comment on the bitterness of a lemon it would pass without notice but the same said of a lime could cause all sorts of uproar. And yet how different are they.
Well limes can be very sensitive said Rabbit. You see they believe they have been unfairly persecuted. Often for being so much like lemons.
They are all the same to me said Toad.
Hello Grace said Hatter.
A very elegant woman joined them at the table. Why are you guarded by Tin Soldiers asked Grace.
We are not sure said Hatter, it was Sam's idea.
Who is Sam I have not met him, said Grace.
Neither have we said Hatter.
He seems to be having a very profound affect on you despite never introducing himself said Grace.
Sometimes the most profound affects come from those we do not know said Greta.
Grace turned to Greta, we have not met before I believe, my name is Grace.
I am Alice Grate but I agreed to be named Alice The Great just for fun, and when that became too long for everyone to say it was decided to call me Greta, which I quite like.
The two politefully shook hands. The others watched the greeting and admired its gracefulness.
Why do you think that profound affects come from those we do not know asked Grace.
Well one simply needs to think of religion and law said Greta. We learn of these from the work of those we have never met. However for me it is most clearly a matter of my Grandmother. She taught me so much about reality by just a simple visit one night.
But do you not know your Grandmother asked Grace.
No unfortunately she died seventeen years before I was born, said Greta.
But those two things cannot be said Rabbit,
Only because of your confused ideas about time said Owl.
How can you be so sure of your ideas about time said Rabbit.
It is the extrapolation of the kernel of an idea which I developed into an hypothesis and then finally to a theory said Owl. And if I do not get my head out of this teapot soon I fear that I will be carrying out that final experiment to prove whether or not it is a fact.
The thought of another animal dying convinced the teapot to release the Owl.
I hope this does not mean we cannot continue our conversation asked the Owl.
On the contrary we must continue said the teapot, teapots being very polite and mannerly objects with which conversation is intrinsically linked.
So, said Owl, do you seriously propose the universe has no beginning.
Well you animates are pre-occupied with birth and death, beginnings and ends. But I am mineral, in the long term, being a teapot is just a phase. You on the other hand are so temporary. Most of my existence you must remember occurred before you appeared on this planet.
Well I am quite young, so that does not mean much said Greta.
I was thinking more of organic life in general said the teapot.
Toad moved closer to this conversation, but what of the Big Bang he asked.
A creation theory, dressed up in a labcoat said the teapot. An extrapolation from the kernel of an idea which was a hypothesis and has now become a theory. Planets and galaxies all moving away from each other. Not moving in any direction or even every direction but just moving away from each other
A very profound thought said Toad.
Nonsense said the teapot. It requires that almost everything of the universe must be an invisible and undetectable substance.
Maybe that substance is an eternal and omnipotent entity which is beyond our understanding said Rabbit, and having the name G'....
Do not let him start, Toad abruptly interrupted.
They all paused to think about that for a moment and all but Rabbit, decided to discount the idea. After all conversations are intrinsically linked with teapots and tea tables and Rabbit's idea would have been an end in itself, leaving only a single word more to say.
Or else said the teapot, it's all nonsense. But I do not expect any of you to change your minds. It takes between 400 and 1000 years for an animate intellect to adopt a major new idea.
But we do not live anywhere near that long said Rabbit.
It is an inter-generational thing said the teapot. While you may be able to build and use a new tool in a few years any major thought will hang around and influence you for centuries even when it is obviously quite silly.
The Fox looked on and thought there must be meal in this for me.
I am feeling a trifle hungry said Greta.
Have some trifle said Hatter offering her a plate.
I have been warning everyone about the sky falling and it is getting lots of people to change their mind, said Greta.
Really said the teapot. And what exactly are they doing because of that change of mind.
There are lots of things happening said Greta.
But will any of those things stop the sky falling asked the teapot.
Greta was silent.
Your idea is not really new said the teapot. Its an old idea in new clothes. What you are saying is that the world is changing and it must be because of you. You think the universe was created for you, so everything that happens must center on you.
That is hardly fair said Greta.
The teapot ignored Greta. Have you ever stopped to think that you may be irrelevant, that you are not in any way exceptional. The world will go on, the universe will still be here, long after your sky has fallen, even if you do not survive. That is my perspective, you are all so temporary.
My Grandmother proved to me that we are anything but temporary, said Greta. But her comment went unnoticed.
It is my opinion said Rabbit, that listening to teapots is akin to madness and those who do are good for nothing.
How will we ever know said Toad. Is anything that we do not see or touch actually real. And if not, then do we not actually affect everything.
Its of no matter said Owl, after the sky has fallen you simply need to write a history saying we caused it. If it does not fall then write a history saying we prevented it. History is the most flexible thing we have. It is only the future that we cannot change.
But if we cannot change the future said Greta, then how can we act to prevent the sky falling.
What will be will be said Owl, if the sky does not fall we acted for that, if it does fall we did not. You cannot change the future.
Do you mean we have no freedom of choice regarding anything said Toad.
That is not a meaningful question said Owl.
So if I were to have another sip of tea right now said Greta, that is pre-ordained.
No nothing is pre-ordained said Owl it is simply the future.
Greta had another sip of tea. But then I have no influence over anything.
You have all the influence you can ever want said Owl. You may change the whole world or even the whole universe. Every day you will make choices. It is just that once a choice is made it is no longer in the future.
I feel you are trifling with us said Hatter.
The Fox jumped up, which startled Toad who jostled Rabbit who knocked the plate which Hatter was holding and the trifle that was on the plate was swallowed by the Fox before it hit the ground.
A young boy then walked into the garden. He was very young, had a broad and hansome face, fair hair and bright blue eyes. The boy had a small dog with him who appeared to be having a lot of fun. The boy walked up to Hatter and said, hello my name is Luca.
How do you do said Hatter, my name is Hatter, would you like some trifle. Hatter offered the boy a piece of trifle.
Do you make hats said Luca.
No It is just my name said Hatter.
There is a cow at the edge of the garden who says his legs are very sore said Luca. No one seemed concerned about this.
Do you have a dish and spoon for the trifle asked Luca. You see if I do not have a dish and spoon for my food I will need to take off my shirt because I sometimes spill my food. He was very young after all.
We did have plates and spoons said hatter but they all disappeared one day when a cat with a fiddle came to visit. I always thought there was some connection there but everyone said I was mad to believe a cat with a fiddle could cause plates to leave with spoons.
Well I will just take off my shirt then said Luca.
You are very well spoken for one so young said Greta. Secretly relieved that she was no longer the youngest at the table.
I liike words said Luca. Speaking is fun and new words are like new games.
The fox looked at the new arrival and thought, there must be a meal for me somewhere in this.
How old are you, Rabbit asked Luca.
I was two on my last birthday but I cannot remember which day that was, said Luca.
You are very young to be walking about on your own, said Greta.
But I am not walking about on my own, said Luca. My mother put me to bed and this is my dream.
But how can a two year old boy be dreaming of discussions which encompass metaphysics said Rabbit.
What is metaphysics asked Luca.
My point exactly said Rabbit.
Do you worry about your future Luca, Greta asked.
What do you mean asked Luca.
Do you worry about tomorrow asked Greta.
I have never thought about tomorrow said Luca. I like now.
The others thought that this was a wonderful state of mind.
Perfect said Owl. The future will look after itself. You cannot change it.
I do sometimes worry about now said Luca. I rode my bicycle for the first time today and I was a bit scared.
Greta ignored Luca and said, but if I make a new decision then that will change the future.
Not until you have made the decision said Owl and then it is the past and you cannot alter it.
So then you cannot change the past said Reta.
No that is not the right way to look at it said Owl. It is because once you have made a decision and then cannot change having done that, that you cannot change the future. You can change the past by simply making another decision that will be different to your first decision.
But isn't that changing the future said Greta.
No it is changing something that is in the past said Owl.
Toad who had been sitting quietly thinking about the universe suddenly asked the teapot to explain invisible matter again.
Well said the teapot, the theory is that empty space is growing. Which of course means everything in space gets further apart. However this doesn't work for a mathematician unless there is much more in the universe than we can find.
So its just a problem of adding up things said Toad.
Maths is not really the problem said the teapot but without all this invisible matter the theory doesn't work.
Doesn't that make the theory a very weak one asked Rabbit.
Not if you prove the invisible matter exists said the teapot.
How would you do that asked Toad.
The way it is done said the teapot is to carry out an experiment to demonstrate that the theory doesn't work until you allow for the invisible matter.
But that is just nonsense said Rabbit.
Yes replied the teapot that is it's only redeeming feature.
But there can be nothing worse than making up stories that are just nonsense to fool others with them said Rabbit.
I agree said Toad whoever does that is a low creature.
Rabbit and Toad were surprised to find they agreed entirely on something.
But why are you so sure its wrong, asked Luca
The teapot paused briefly and then explained, there is an empty space inside every teapot. But that space never gets any bigger.
A Tin Soldier walked up to the table and said, we have noticed there are new people arriving at your table, without first being checked at the gate.
Well its our table and I do not think they need your approval said Rabbit, feeling a little nervous confronting the Tin Soldier.
Did you not see them at the gate said Hatter.
They did not use the gate said the Tin Soldier.
Grace looked at Luca and said, did you use a gate Luca.
No replied Luca I simply came across the garden.
Well if they do not use your gate what has it to do with you, Hatter asked the Tin Soldier.
You are being obstructive said the Tin Soldier, we are doing this to protect you. Until we finish building the fence you must ask your visitors to arrive by the gate.
I do not wish to be fenced off from my visitors, said Hatter. If you want them to use the gate then put up a sign, do not bother me.
We are only thinking of your security, I cannot understand your obstructiveness said the Tin Soldier as he left,
When they have finished the fence will they allow us to leave asked Luca.
They have not said anything about that said Rabbit, looking a little worried.
I am sure an offer of tea and trifle can smooth the way with a Tin Soldier said the Fox.
But they have lots of tea and cakes said Hatter, much more than us.
Even so said Fox they can always use more. It is a thing about Tin Soldiers.
More of what asked Luca.
Just more said the Fox.
A shower of rain swept across the garden. It was quickly gone and no-one was bothered.
Luca looked at the droplets of rain on the table.
It is rude to stare he heard one of the droplets say to him.
Are you rain asked Luca.
I am water said the drop.
Is that different to rain asked Luca.
Rain is something we do not like to think about said the drop.
What is wrong with rain asked Luca.
It is very lonely said the drop. The whole process is quite disturbing. First you are evaporated, then swept up into the sky and left waiting in an agony of lonliness for the precipitation. Even as a drop you feel so isolated. Its only when you can pool that things come right.
Is it fun being a pool of water asked Luca.
Sometimes said the drop. Being a lake is boring, being a sea can be good Best of all is being a river. The faster the better. But like all the best things it doesn't last very long and then you are a lake or sea again.
Do you do that often, asked Luca.
Far too often said the drop. But one day I will get to become deep water. Then the sun and wind will not be able to find me. Unfortunately being deep water is also rather boring. But that is the way of most things in life I suppose.
The Fox had overheard this conversation and was perplexed. There did not seem to be anyway there could be a meal in it for him.
Community is a very important thing said Rabbit. Belonging matters more than most will admit.
But only if it does not impinge upon individual rights said Toad.
Being part of a society means putting society ahead of individualism said Rabbit. When you join a society you accept its rules so you are not alone in the wild anymore.
But if those rules are just what you would want in the wild then how is it different asked Toad.
In the wild you can only have what you can fight for on your own, said Rabbit. In a society it is the society that defends its rules. But the society also sets its rules. They are not the rules of each, they are the rules of all.
That is not the society I live in said Toad.
Unfortunately there are fake societies that still expect people to fight for themselves. These never truly understand law. They think it is just another factor to consider when fighting for everything you can get for yourself.
That is the thin end of the wedge of socialism said Toad.
Fox seldom looked worried but he was troubled by Rabbit's comment. For one who hunted alone the call for a community to act together was a conceern. He then turned to Greta and said, there may be a way to stop the sky falling.
Really how asked Greta.
Well the problem is that no one really cares about the sky because it does not belong to them. So they think it is someone else's problem.
How does that help asked Greta.
If we were to say the sky did belong to someone then they would make sure it did not fall said the Fox, because it would be their problem.
But who should own the sky asked Greta.
It doesn't matter who owns it said the Fox, just as long as someone does.
This will be the meal to end all meals thought Fox.
Greta thought that it sounded convincing but there was something very worrying about the idea that she could not put her finger on.
Do you have a name, Luca asked the Fox.
The Fox moved close to Luca and said, I like to be called Fox and I do not want everyone to know my name. I feel more comfortable when I am hidden.
I probably will not remember it anyway said Luca.
Well do not tell the others but my name is Sam said the Fox.
John Manning. January 2020.
No 3. Luca(John Manning)
No. 3. Luca.
(It helps to have read stories No 1 and No 2, except that they were not numbered.)
The leader of the Tin Soldiers looked across to the other table in the garden. Why do they keep coming back he muttered to himself. It is so much easier to protect everyone in the garden when it is empty.
A Fox overheard his words and decided to go to the other table. When he arrived he found Hatter had returned. He was talking to the girl, Alice the Great.
Where have you been Alice the Great asked Hatter. I went inside to lie down said Hatter. I did not feel well after making a call to my uncle. He was ill with a virus.
What was wrong with him asked Rabbit.
He had a strange malady said Hatter. It made him glow slightly.
You mean he had a corona said Rabbit. Did you catch the same virus.
I do not see how I can have caught his virus said Hatter. I simply spoke to him on my mobile phone.
Maybe it was a computer virus said Toad.
Were you very unwell asked Rabbit.
They tell me I was, said Hatter, and that is something I must agree with because I was unconcious for several hours.
That is a very long time to be unconcious said Alice the Great.
Yes, said Hatter, the doctor told me all his questions were answered, but I do not know who he was talking to. One of his questions was asking the date, he told me I knew the day but not the year. I am certain they were not talking to me because I always know the year but can seldom remember the day. My problem is I have no idea where I was.
Well are you better now asked Alice the Great.
Yes and I have come out here for some solace Hatter said. It is a place that for many reasons, which I cannot remember, provides a sense of peace that I cannot find anywhere else.
I have such a place said Alice The Great. It is a path I love to walk which climbs gently through a pine forest until you come upon a field of wild grass in a valley and there you see on the other side of the field, under tall trees, a little house of one room only. The path goes beyond the house and climbs a ridge of a hill covered in tall dark green trees. As you climb the hill you can see a small lake in the next valley and then the track goes back down to the meadow. I often stop at the little house for a rest and some tea.
Some tea, that is a good idea said Hatter as he filled everyones cups again. It's good that all our teapots are full he said.
Sometimes not just of tea, said Alice the Great. One teapot contained the head of an Owl. The rest of the Owl was standing on the table bent over the teapot. Despite that predicament he seemed happy enough, and surprisingly had started a conversation with the teapot.
I think Alice The Great is too long a name, how about we call you Greta said Hatter
I like Greta said Alice The Great.
So how did you find your special place, Hatter asked Greta.
Oh I found it in a dream said Greta, but I go back there often, whenever I am seeking solitude. The others all nodded at the wisdom of this..
Do you like solitude asked the Rabbit, it's something I would find disconcerting.
Greta thought for a moment and said, there is something special about being yourself without having to consider anyone else. Being alone without lonliness. Just you and creation.
Do not say it, Rabbit said to Toad. Toad swallowed his words along with another mouthfull of tea.
I think it unfair that one cannot express opinions and beliefs freely said Toad.
Freedom of speech is guaranteed at this table said Hatter.
They all looked at Hatter with some surprise.
The problem with free speech said Toad is that it can sometimes be very expensive. For example without wanting to appear to have anti-citrus attitudes I know that if I were to comment on the bitterness of a lemon it would pass without notice but the same said of a lime could cause all sorts of uproar. And yet how different are they.
Well limes can be very sensitive said Rabbit. You see they believe they have been unfairly persecuted. Often for being so much like lemons.
They are all the same to me said Toad.
Hello Grace said Hatter.
A very elegant woman joined them at the table. Why are you guarded by Tin Soldiers asked Grace.
We are not sure said Hatter, it was Sam's idea.
Who is Sam I have not met him, said Grace.
Neither have we said Hatter.
He seems to be having a very profound affect on you despite never introducing himself said Grace.
Sometimes the most profound affects come from those we do not know said Greta.
Grace turned to Greta, we have not met before I believe, my name is Grace.
I am Alice Grate but I agreed to be named Alice The Great just for fun, and when that became too long for everyone to say it was decided to call me Greta, which I quite like.
The two politefully shook hands. The others watched the greeting and admired its gracefulness.
Why do you think that profound affects come from those we do not know asked Grace.
Well one simply needs to think of religion and law said Greta. We learn of these from the work of those we have never met. However for me it is most clearly a matter of my Grandmother. She taught me so much about reality by just a simple visit one night.
But do you not know your Grandmother asked Grace.
No unfortunately she died seventeen years before I was born, said Greta.
But those two things cannot be said Rabbit,
Only because of your confused ideas about time said Owl.
How can you be so sure of your ideas about time said Rabbit.
It is the extrapolation of the kernel of an idea which I developed into an hypothesis and then finally to a theory said Owl. And if I do not get my head out of this teapot soon I fear that I will be carrying out that final experiment to prove whether or not it is a fact.
The thought of another animal dying convinced the teapot to release the Owl.
I hope this does not mean we cannot continue our conversation asked the Owl.
On the contrary we must continue said the teapot, teapots being very polite and mannerly objects with which conversation is intrinsically linked.
So, said Owl, do you seriously propose the universe has no beginning.
Well you animates are pre-occupied with birth and death, beginnings and ends. But I am mineral, in the long term, being a teapot is just a phase. You on the other hand are so temporary. Most of my existence you must remember occurred before you appeared on this planet.
Well I am quite young, so that does not mean much said Greta.
I was thinking more of organic life in general said the teapot.
Toad moved closer to this conversation, but what of the Big Bang he asked.
A creation theory, dressed up in a labcoat said the teapot. An extrapolation from the kernel of an idea which was a hypothesis and has now become a theory. Planets and galaxies all moving away from each other. Not moving in any direction or even every direction but just moving away from each other
A very profound thought said Toad.
Nonsense said the teapot. It requires that almost everything of the universe must be an invisible and undetectable substance.
Maybe that substance is an eternal and omnipotent entity which is beyond our understanding said Rabbit, and having the name G'....
Do not let him start, Toad abruptly interrupted.
They all paused to think about that for a moment and all but Rabbit, decided to discount the idea. After all conversations are intrinsically linked with teapots and tea tables and Rabbit's idea would have been an end in itself, leaving only a single word more to say.
Or else said the teapot, it's all nonsense. But I do not expect any of you to change your minds. It takes between 400 and 1000 years for an animate intellect to adopt a major new idea.
But we do not live anywhere near that long said Rabbit.
It is an inter-generational thing said the teapot. While you may be able to build and use a new tool in a few years any major thought will hang around and influence you for centuries even when it is obviously quite silly.
The Fox looked on and thought there must be meal in this for me.
I am feeling a trifle hungry said Greta.
Have some trifle said Hatter offering her a plate.
I have been warning everyone about the sky falling and it is getting lots of people to change their mind, said Greta.
Really said the teapot. And what exactly are they doing because of that change of mind.
There are lots of things happening said Greta.
But will any of those things stop the sky falling asked the teapot.
Greta was silent.
Your idea is not really new said the teapot. Its an old idea in new clothes. What you are saying is that the world is changing and it must be because of you. You think the universe was created for you, so everything that happens must center on you.
That is hardly fair said Greta.
The teapot ignored Greta. Have you ever stopped to think that you may be irrelevant, that you are not in any way exceptional. The world will go on, the universe will still be here, long after your sky has fallen, even if you do not survive. That is my perspective, you are all so temporary.
My Grandmother proved to me that we are anything but temporary, said Greta. But her comment went unnoticed.
It is my opinion said Rabbit, that listening to teapots is akin to madness and those who do are good for nothing.
How will we ever know said Toad. Is anything that we do not see or touch actually real. And if not, then do we not actually affect everything.
Its of no matter said Owl, after the sky has fallen you simply need to write a history saying we caused it. If it does not fall then write a history saying we prevented it. History is the most flexible thing we have. It is only the future that we cannot change.
But if we cannot change the future said Greta, then how can we act to prevent the sky falling.
What will be will be said Owl, if the sky does not fall we acted for that, if it does fall we did not. You cannot change the future.
Do you mean we have no freedom of choice regarding anything said Toad.
That is not a meaningful question said Owl.
So if I were to have another sip of tea right now said Greta, that is pre-ordained.
No nothing is pre-ordained said Owl it is simply the future.
Greta had another sip of tea. But then I have no influence over anything.
You have all the influence you can ever want said Owl. You may change the whole world or even the whole universe. Every day you will make choices. It is just that once a choice is made it is no longer in the future.
I feel you are trifling with us said Hatter.
The Fox jumped up, which startled Toad who jostled Rabbit who knocked the plate which Hatter was holding and the trifle that was on the plate was swallowed by the Fox before it hit the ground.
A young boy then walked into the garden. He was very young, had a broad and hansome face, fair hair and bright blue eyes. The boy had a small dog with him who appeared to be having a lot of fun. The boy walked up to Hatter and said, hello my name is Luca.
How do you do said Hatter, my name is Hatter, would you like some trifle. Hatter offered the boy a piece of trifle.
Do you make hats said Luca.
No It is just my name said Hatter.
There is a cow at the edge of the garden who says his legs are very sore said Luca. No one seemed concerned about this.
Do you have a dish and spoon for the trifle asked Luca. You see if I do not have a dish and spoon for my food I will need to take off my shirt because I sometimes spill my food. He was very young after all.
We did have plates and spoons said hatter but they all disappeared one day when a cat with a fiddle came to visit. I always thought there was some connection there but everyone said I was mad to believe a cat with a fiddle could cause plates to leave with spoons.
Well I will just take off my shirt then said Luca.
You are very well spoken for one so young said Greta. Secretly relieved that she was no longer the youngest at the table.
I liike words said Luca. Speaking is fun and new words are like new games.
The fox looked at the new arrival and thought, there must be a meal for me somewhere in this.
How old are you, Rabbit asked Luca.
I was two on my last birthday but I cannot remember which day that was, said Luca.
You are very young to be walking about on your own, said Greta.
But I am not walking about on my own, said Luca. My mother put me to bed and this is my dream.
But how can a two year old boy be dreaming of discussions which encompass metaphysics said Rabbit.
What is metaphysics asked Luca.
My point exactly said Rabbit.
Do you worry about your future Luca, Greta asked.
What do you mean asked Luca.
Do you worry about tomorrow asked Greta.
I have never thought about tomorrow said Luca. I like now.
The others thought that this was a wonderful state of mind.
Perfect said Owl. The future will look after itself. You cannot change it.
I do sometimes worry about now said Luca. I rode my bicycle for the first time today and I was a bit scared.
Greta ignored Luca and said, but if I make a new decision then that will change the future.
Not until you have made the decision said Owl and then it is the past and you cannot alter it.
So then you cannot change the past said Reta.
No that is not the right way to look at it said Owl. It is because once you have made a decision and then cannot change having done that, that you cannot change the future. You can change the past by simply making another decision that will be different to your first decision.
But isn't that changing the future said Greta.
No it is changing something that is in the past said Owl.
Toad who had been sitting quietly thinking about the universe suddenly asked the teapot to explain invisible matter again.
Well said the teapot, the theory is that empty space is growing. Which of course means everything in space gets further apart. However this doesn't work for a mathematician unless there is much more in the universe than we can find.
So its just a problem of adding up things said Toad.
Maths is not really the problem said the teapot but without all this invisible matter the theory doesn't work.
Doesn't that make the theory a very weak one asked Rabbit.
Not if you prove the invisible matter exists said the teapot.
How would you do that asked Toad.
The way it is done said the teapot is to carry out an experiment to demonstrate that the theory doesn't work until you allow for the invisible matter.
But that is just nonsense said Rabbit.
Yes replied the teapot that is it's only redeeming feature.
But there can be nothing worse than making up stories that are just nonsense to fool others with them said Rabbit.
I agree said Toad whoever does that is a low creature.
Rabbit and Toad were surprised to find they agreed entirely on something.
But why are you so sure its wrong, asked Luca
The teapot paused briefly and then explained, there is an empty space inside every teapot. But that space never gets any bigger.
A Tin Soldier walked up to the table and said, we have noticed there are new people arriving at your table, without first being checked at the gate.
Well its our table and I do not think they need your approval said Rabbit, feeling a little nervous confronting the Tin Soldier.
Did you not see them at the gate said Hatter.
They did not use the gate said the Tin Soldier.
Grace looked at Luca and said, did you use a gate Luca.
No replied Luca I simply came across the garden.
Well if they do not use your gate what has it to do with you, Hatter asked the Tin Soldier.
You are being obstructive said the Tin Soldier, we are doing this to protect you. Until we finish building the fence you must ask your visitors to arrive by the gate.
I do not wish to be fenced off from my visitors, said Hatter. If you want them to use the gate then put up a sign, do not bother me.
We are only thinking of your security, I cannot understand your obstructiveness said the Tin Soldier as he left,
When they have finished the fence will they allow us to leave asked Luca.
They have not said anything about that said Rabbit, looking a little worried.
I am sure an offer of tea and trifle can smooth the way with a Tin Soldier said the Fox.
But they have lots of tea and cakes said Hatter, much more than us.
Even so said Fox they can always use more. It is a thing about Tin Soldiers.
More of what asked Luca.
Just more said the Fox.
A shower of rain swept across the garden. It was quickly gone and no-one was bothered.
Luca looked at the droplets of rain on the table.
It is rude to stare he heard one of the droplets say to him.
Are you rain asked Luca.
I am water said the drop.
Is that different to rain asked Luca.
Rain is something we do not like to think about said the drop.
What is wrong with rain asked Luca.
It is very lonely said the drop. The whole process is quite disturbing. First you are evaporated, then swept up into the sky and left waiting in an agony of lonliness for the precipitation. Even as a drop you feel so isolated. Its only when you can pool that things come right.
Is it fun being a pool of water asked Luca.
Sometimes said the drop. Being a lake is boring, being a sea can be good Best of all is being a river. The faster the better. But like all the best things it doesn't last very long and then you are a lake or sea again.
Do you do that often, asked Luca.
Far too often said the drop. But one day I will get to become deep water. Then the sun and wind will not be able to find me. Unfortunately being deep water is also rather boring. But that is the way of most things in life I suppose.
The Fox had overheard this conversation and was perplexed. There did not seem to be anyway there could be a meal in it for him.
Community is a very important thing said Rabbit. Belonging matters more than most will admit.
But only if it does not impinge upon individual rights said Toad.
Being part of a society means putting society ahead of individualism said Rabbit. When you join a society you accept its rules so you are not alone in the wild anymore.
But if those rules are just what you would want in the wild then how is it different asked Toad.
In the wild you can only have what you can fight for on your own, said Rabbit. In a society it is the society that defends its rules. But the society also sets its rules. They are not the rules of each, they are the rules of all.
That is not the society I live in said Toad.
Unfortunately there are fake societies that still expect people to fight for themselves. These never truly understand law. They think it is just another factor to consider when fighting for everything you can get for yourself.
That is the thin end of the wedge of socialism said Toad.
Fox seldom looked worried but he was troubled by Rabbit's comment. For one who hunted alone the call for a community to act together was a conceern. He then turned to Greta and said, there may be a way to stop the sky falling.
Really how asked Greta.
Well the problem is that no one really cares about the sky because it does not belong to them. So they think it is someone else's problem.
How does that help asked Greta.
If we were to say the sky did belong to someone then they would make sure it did not fall said the Fox, because it would be their problem.
But who should own the sky asked Greta.
It doesn't matter who owns it said the Fox, just as long as someone does.
This will be the meal to end all meals thought Fox.
Greta thought that it sounded convincing but there was something very worrying about the idea that she could not put her finger on.
Do you have a name, Luca asked the Fox.
The Fox moved close to Luca and said, I like to be called Fox and I do not want everyone to know my name. I feel more comfortable when I am hidden.
I probably will not remember it anyway said Luca.
Well do not tell the others but my name is Sam said the Fox.
John Manning. January 2020.
Jason James Parker
08/19/2020The Toad--he haunts my dreams. He appears to me always. He is the fire on the hill that welcomes me home.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
John Manning
02/18/2020Thanks, I will tell Luca one day when he is old enough to understand. He is my grandson.
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