1833

"And we're all stuck here with each other", says Carl, chuckling. "You appear to be enjoying this", says Lawrence. "I'll tell you a little story", says Carl. "Once upon a time, there was a little chickadee. It was already fall and the little chickadee knew he should fly south for the winter, but his little wings were just so tired. He did make the effort and he managed to get from Saskagchewan to North Dakota, where his little wings gave out, and so the little chickadee fell through the air, down, down, down, until he landed in a big mound of horse shit. "I think I already know where this is going to go", mutters Francios with a theatrical aside. "So, the little chickadee, oh so tired, sank into the mound of manure, and despite the smell, found himself warm, snug, safe, and the little chickadee promptly fell asleep. The cold wind howled and blew and the winter snow fell and covered everything including the horse shit in one big beautiful pure white blanket of cold, and the little chickadee went on sleeping. Spring came, and so did the rains, and so did the warm soft air and the snow all melted and the mound of horse dung was left exposed to the soft spring air. The little chickadee stirred awake, and then emerged from out of the horse shit, and delighted that it was spring, he sang out a loud "Chickadee!" and then a crow swooped down and bit off his little head. "Now there are three morals to this little story, One, it isn't necessarily your best friend that gets you into deep shit, and two, it isn't necessarily your best friend that's gonna get you out of shit, but, three, if you find yourself in shit, and find that you are still safe, warm and comfortable, stay there." Young Jesus is standing at the entrnce way clapping while the rest of us are laughing.