Being Part Animal Is Political

You need cheering up, Arthur, says David. Come with us to First Dog on the Moon. It's bound to be funny.

Yes, come on, says Vello. We'll shout you a ticket.

Alright says Arthur. Thanks.

I like First Dog, says Gaius, half rising.

So do I, says Margaret.

Gaius sits down.

Why don't you go and get another beer, Margaret, says Gaius. Since Arthur drank yours.

That was yours, says Margaret. Would you like another?

Yes, please, says Gaius.

Margaret goes back to the bar.

Drat the woman, says Gaius. She can't take a hint.

You didn't give her a hint, says Vello. Why don't you just come with us. The show starts in twenty minutes.

I can't leave without telling her, says Gaius. Or can I?

But it's too late. Margaret is back.

........

Vello, David and Arthur, in the front row of the Pig Tales tent, wait for the show to begin. It is extremely hot in the tent and there is just one large fan.

First Dog stands on the stage sweating, in green tartan shorts, also waiting for the show to begin. He is a well known political cartoonist. He sketches the people in the front row on his computer and the drawing comes up on a screen. He draws David and Vello, then Arthur.

That's you, Arthur, says David, nudging Arthur. You look like a fox.

Marginally better than a cockroach, says Arthur.

That's how he draws Julia Gillard, says Vello.

Like a cockroach? says Arthur.

No, says Vello. Like a fox.

The show starts. It is funny. First Dog explains why we are too stupid to vote. We pay too much attention to our feelings, and allow ourselves to be distracted by cute furry animals.

He does an interpretive dance. To perform the dance, he wears bandicoot ears, and a tail.

Arthur feels strangely relaxed.

There's nothing wrong with being part animal, thinks Arthur. In fact it's political and smart.

........

When the show is over, David receives a phone call.

That was mother, says David, with a groan. She wants me to go to East Blaxland. She has to mind the children again. But if I go I'll miss a week of the Fringe!

I'll go, says Arthur. Why not? I went with her last time. Great place for a cockroach.

David throws up his arms. Thank you dear Arthur! He kisses Arthur on the forehead.

I say Arthur, says David, your forehead is awfully hard.