atw: Dorothy in the Land of Oz: 3. Into the subculturean
- From: Hedley Finger <hfinger@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:35:40 +1000
THE STORY SO FAR ...
The Pushme-Pullum survives a fall to find an alternative route from the
ledge.
NOW READ ON ...
'Terribly sorry,' the Author ripped off, hurrying behind the scenes, 'I
was delayed on the terrain.'
The little party set off into the cavern, led by Patoto and, close
behind, Dorothy with the knapsack. The Pushme-Pullum followed [The
little party had been fro]with Pullum in the rearguard. Pullum thought
'It's a bugger walking backwards but if we meet danger, I am well-placed
to run back forwards to the entrance.'
The daylight penetrated only a little way into the cavern and all too
soon they could scarce see the tracks in the sand. They stopped in the
gloom to consider what to do, when Dorothy suddenly[zen in a time stasis
during t] swung the knapsack around, plunged in her hand, and withdrew a
battered old book, sans boards, spine broken, tails of its cords
frayed. On the torn and dirty title page Patoto could just make out the
words /Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et
des métiers, par une socie`té de gens de lettres/.
'Diderot?' ventured Pullum. 'I did not!' Patoto indignanted retortly,
then continued, 'If you burn it, Dorothy, won't we be in the same boat
when all the pages are gone?'
'Just watch,' Dorothy illuminated presciently.
Almost imperceptibly their surrounds became more distinct, the lichen on
damp walls discernible and, soon, they could see each others' faces ever
more clearly as the Enlightenment spread. Pushme shuffled sheepishly,
as much as a half-llama [he Author's extended absence ]could but Pullum
crossed its legs and adopted an exaggeratedly nonchalant air. The
source of enlightenment was nowhere but everywhere, the ancient volume
no brighter than any other object, although without doubt the centre of
the gradually materialising scene.
'D'Alembert?' proffered Pullum. 'Don't mind if I do,' gratefulled
Patoto, 'so much nicer than Camembert.'
The enlightenment spread only slowly before them as little creatures of
the dark -- journalists, politicians, university lecturers, radio
comperes -- darted hither and thither, startled by the unwonted
approaching encroachment. Suiting their gait to the slowly advancing
visibility, the members of the party strolled along the well-trodden
path in silence. Presently Dorothy said, 'What about another song?[and
had no idea that they had] Patoto has already sung a lullaby, so it's
your turn Pushme or Pullum.'
'Oh, we know lots of songs,' the Pushme-Pullum repertoired. And the
Pullum launched into song, quickly accompanied by the Pushme:
Picture us upon our knees.
Just tea for two
And two for tea;
All for one
And free for all.
We will raise a family --
One end for you,
The other for me --
Can't you see how
Happy we shall be?
A large tear rolled down Pushme's cheek. 'O Pullum, will we ever have an
offsprout?'
Patoto had often wondered if, because the Pushme-Pullum was [ been set
in motion once more]composed of two front ends of llamas, whether it had
any internal sexual organs despite the lack of external indications.
Suddenly a thought occurred to Patoto which would have profound
theological repercussions if it could be true.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
--
Hedley Finger
28 Regent Street Camberwell VIC 3124 Australia
Tel: +61 3 9809 1229 Fax: (call phone first)
Mobile (cell): +61 412 461 558 Skype: hedley.finger
Email. "Hedley Finger" <hfinger@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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