RAMBLINGS OF THE MIND
Strauss, the most intelligent bench in the park, was watching the two praying mantises scampering around, looking for their prey. He can overhear their discussion, and has gotten interested, so he called them to approach the bench, so much like a judge summoning the lawyers
.
“Hey Strauss,” the older mantis asked him, “If I look like a monkey, act like a monkey, am I a monkey?”
“Not necessarily, James” said Strauss with the authority of a University professor. He asked in return, “if you look like you’re praying, are you praying?”
“Not necessarily,” said George, the younger mantis. “But my appearances do not make me who I am.”
“Exactamente, Bravo, Bravissimo, Giorgio,” Strauss could have stretched his arms like Italians always do. But he was not Italian, he came from the boreal forests of Canada, one of the very few trees cut from that area of the world.
“But guys, let me tell you something about appearances,” Strauss was serious.
“We better sit down, ‘Looks like it’s going to be a long one.”
“George,” James whispered to his younger brother, with front legs ready to strike if the situation called for it.
“Giorgio, you speak of appearances in relation to your true self.” Strauss said. “Sometimes what is inside is revealed by what is outside. That is the level of transparency, and this differs from each one of us. Some people are very good in hiding their true feelings, and others just can’t hide it.“
“Sounds like you’re talking about actors and actresses, or maybe politicians.”
“Giorgio, you’re too clever to be a mantis. You should be a monkey.” Strauss said and they all laughed. “But then again you may be right. That is why this world adores actors and actresses, because they’re good at it…. at becoming who they are not. But If you want more intelligent opinions, talk to the new bench in the park, Bobbie” he said pointing at the bench which had just been installed a few days ago.
The two mantises said goodbye to Strauss.
They had no idea they will be playing a crucial role in the drama which was unfolding.
At The House
17:11:42
Back at the empty house, the man still had no idea where his family was. He had nothing at all. And it’s getting dark. He went to his small bar near the kitchen and poured himself another scotch and saw the flower vase which his wife brought from France. The flowers on it looked so real, he could almost smell them.
And he’s reminded of how beautiful she was and how she’d loved him, or did she? Everything had become so untrue and unreal he can’t distinguish one from the other. Was her wife’s love as unreal as the plastic flower on a beautiful vase?
To the public, they were a picture of a very happy and successful family. They were a model family to the church. People looked up at them, and even invited them to small groups to speak about a happy Christian family. But, why did his wife and kids leave him? Was she seeing someone? Did she go back to her old life?
