Beetle lived under a large paving stone beside the path up to the big house. One corner of the stone was broken and the top was slightly uneven so it had been discarded when the house was built. Still it provided a leak proof roof and allowed Beetle ample space for a living room, kitchen, bedroom and the three storage rooms for which Beetle was famous. They were stocked floor to ceiling with seeds, nuts, bread crumbs, potato peelings, apple cores and other more exotic food stuffs. Beetle prided himself on his industry and hard work. Everyday he woke at
Cricket lived under a sycamore leaf. The leaf had a hole near the middle and a crack on one edge. Cricket's Place, as it was widely known, was drafty and damp. But still it was a popular hang out. Cricket was a musician. He slept in mornings and played music late into the night. His storeroom was generally empty.
Cricket knocked on Beetle's door and began his usual, "Hiya, Mister Beetle Sir, uh, I am a bit hungry and uh, I was wondering if you could spare a bite to eat man?"
Beetle replied with his usual. "Frogs and spiders, listen here you lazy leg scratcher I am not here to feed you, get out and get a job. Why don't you apply for a position down at the fishing hole. They feed the crickets real good. If you don't start storing food and I mean fast you are going to starve to death this winter."
"I have a plan for winter".
"Well, your plans better not include me. You'll get no help from me."
"Relax Mr. Beetle Sir. I not counting on you man."
Cricket managed to talk Beetle out of a worm eaten apple and a dab of dried peanut butter.
"Thank you mister Beetle Sir. I won't bother you again, man. You are so kind and generous. Thank you again, man."
One mid October day it was bitter cold, the wind blew hard out of the north, the sky was cloudy and the frost was on the ground. Cricket knocked on Beetles door. Beetle opened the door with a moldy cabbage in his hand.
"Don't say a word, I don't want to hear it! Take this, it is the last you'll get all winter! Do not come here again! Now go away."
"Thank you Mister Beetle sir! No, I won't bother you again man. Promise. You have been so kind and generous! Thank you again, man"
"GO AWAY!", Beetle slammed the door.
That afternoon it began to snow and Cricket held the biggest party of the year. Six legged freaks of all types showed up. Flies, gnats, and ants came in droves to feast on the ample supply of cabbage, predators arrived to feed on them! Others dropped in to watch the action and listen to the music.
Cricket was in great form. Playing loud and fast he attracted females from all over town. The females attracted all the males from miles around. It was a great time for everyone and went on into the early hours of morning.
Beetle didn't sleep. He got out of bed early and began to shovel the snow which had been blown against the door. He didn't feel well, somewhat fatigued, he thought maybe he was coming down with something, something no doubt brought 'round by Cricket and his disreputable friends. He watched wide eyed as Cricket came out of his door, sauntered across the walk and up the path to Beetles home. Beetle was, at first, quite amazed it wasn't even
"That explains a lot", muttered Beetle under his breath.
Cricket slowly made his way through the snow and up to Beetles door.
Cricket began his usual. "Hiya, Mister Beetle Sir, uh, I am a bit hungry and uh, I was wondering, man, if you could spare a bite…”
Beetle sputtered. He started to shout, but no words came out. He clutched his chest, his face turned red, then purple. Never in his life had the invertebrate been so angry. He gasped for breath and then fell over backward. Dead!
Cricket stepped over Beetle and moved in for the winter.
OWL
March 5, 2012
No comments:
Post a Comment