A Moon And a Whirlpool

The philosophers like Barceloneta Beach so much they return the next day.

They sit down on colourful towels, red, green, blue and yellow.

They watch as young people frolic in the water while the sun shines benignly.

This is pleasant, says Vello, stretching his toes.

Indeed it is, says David, adjusting his sun hat.

But you must watch your possessions, says Ortega y Gasset.

Watch your possessions. A sensible warning. Vello picks up his phone.

He sees that he has a new message.

Ah! says Vello. The new edition of Velosophy is out. Let's see what Ageless has come up with.

He follows the link and starts reading.

Hmm... hmm... hmm... marine philosophy... winning battles... that's honest ... and then he... what?... the Ancient Mariner... o priceless!

What is it? says David. Give it to me.

How about letting us in on it, if it's so damn funny, says George Santayana.

Ageless thinks it's a metaphor, says Vello. The Ancient Mariner is God. And the spirit-who-bideth, the bird, and the man who shot the bird are three buddies.

Who is this Ageless? asks George Santayana. It seems he knows nothing of maths.

I agree, says Ortega y Gasset. There are not enough characters, unless the Mariner is twofold.

What's this? says Vello. He can't be two things at once? What about the Trinity?

David has finished his reading. He looks grave.

Something important is missing, says David.

Logic, says Vello.

A bicycle, says David.

O heaven! cries Vello. It's our fault. We didn't remind him!

Ortega y Gasset looks dismally at George Santayana.

George shakes his head.

These non-Spanish, says George Santayana. It is clear they think differently. As for me, I think the whole thing is nonsense from start to finish. From now on I'm looking at girls.

He rolls over on his belly facing the shoreline and stares at the legs of the girls.

Ortega y Gasset makes one more attempt to contribute.

Metaphor is the most fruitful power of man, says Ortega y Gasset. As a tool it verges on magic.

Humph! says David. Perhaps you can suggest what in this article might serve as a metaphor for a bicycle?

Let me see, says Ortega y Gasset. He peruses the text.

All in vain.

He finds nothing but a moon and a whirlpool.