Salamander
Fire Walking

New and Improved
Mon Jun 21 2004

OK, that last "parable" short story thing was a piece of drek, and we all know it. Having the extra week to work on the assignment because of the cancellation of last week's class has paid its dividend. I couldn't fix that last piece of trash. It was beyond fixing. So I composted it, and started again, using a more appropriate approach to the project.

I asked myself if there was anyone I knew who could write one page short stories. After a few days reflection, I realized I did know someone who did it, and did it well: good old Aesop. So why couldn't I write in that style instead? I could, and I did.

I'm actually pretty proud of this one:


Cat and the Cluricaune

The first Cat was nearly asleep upon the hearth in the first House of Man when she saw movement in the corner of her eye. She stared but naught was there. Laying her head back down, her eyes mere slits, she again glimpsed motion. Up she jumped, and pounced upon the blur before it could escape. Peeking under her paw she found she'd caught a Cluricaune. Gripped in his hands was the Mistress's golden ring

"Let me go," the wee man cried, "and I'll grant you a wish." Cat was true of heart and said, "Grant me Sight to see the likes of you straight-on, so I can better defend this home." "Your wish is granted," the Cluricaune announced. Cat released him. He doffed his feathered green cap to her and began to swagger off, the golden ring upon his shoulder. At once Cat was again upon him, her claws against his chest.

The Cluricaune glowered, crying, "You renege on our bargain?" "Our bargain is kept, " said Cat. "You I free, but the ring I shall have back, for it is my Mistress's." Cat bared her teeth and lifted the ring from the Cluricaune's shoulder. Her breath was on his face and her teeth brushed just so against his neck. "You've not won," he cried as he scampered to a hole in the floorboard. "Your newfound sight will damn you for a fool."

And so today the children of Cat stare at the invisible and chase what does not seem to be there. The children of the Cluricaune forever taunt the progeny of Cat, trying to make them seem foolish in the eyes of Men, whom cats still serve and love. Yet because cats remain true of heart, their people still set milk at the hearth for them and love them, even when they do not understand.

This actually fits exactly on a single page when double spaced. This one's for Jinco.

9 Comments
  • From:
    Shay4l (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 22 2004
    Be brave. be proud. Flaunt your efforts. What's the worst that could happen, a snarky comment?
  • From:
    Yetzirah (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 22 2004
    Oh Bravo! Oh, well done!

    If you don't get an A, the teacher is a dolt!

    Write On!
  • From:
    KiwiKimi (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 22 2004
    That's very good - and I really mean that. It explains the mysterious behaviour I've observed for years :-)

    I'm sure Katie has a good home, and will lord it over her new servants.
  • From:
    SitsWithAnAddingMachine (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 22 2004
    Oh, bravo! What a clever ending, with a twist I didn't see coming!

    We saw Shrek 2 Sunday night, as well, and laughed loudly and frequently. My favorite moment was the hairball scene. The way the artists drew that sudden lack of focus and the expression on the cat's face was priceless.

    I wondered if you'd have trouble giving up the kitten. I also wonder how Kimi will cope, after six weeks, was it? of cat sitting. I wonder if she'll end up going out and getting another Abbyssinian.
  • From:
    TraumaMama (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 22 2004
    I'm so glad the kitten has found a home! Even cooler you will be able to keep track of her.

    As for the other entry, I love it! Very well done.
  • From:
    TraumaMama (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 22 2004
    I forgot!! Thank you for dedicating it to Jinco. Ashley and I were looking at pictures of him last night. He is sorely missed.
  • From:
    Jade (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 22 2004
    Re your FOE: Well Done!! :)
    Re finding kitten a good home: Well Done!! :)

    Three stars for Salamander *** ;)
  • From:
    CaraSusanetta (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Jun 22 2004
    Now THAT story really rocks. Good work! :-)
  • From:
    Thubten (Legacy)
    On:
    Wed Jun 23 2004
    I thought of Dekyi this morning, and wondered how you were all getting along.
    I really hope she becomes an important part of her new family.
    I love your short story, and the dedication to Jinco touched me.
    love from thubten