Gravity Dumps

Pretty soon the birdie has died, and gone, or not gone, to Heaven.

So what were the others? asks Sweezus.

Others? says Kong Fu-Zi.

Virtues, says Sweezus. After compassion.

See what you can come up with, says Kong Fu-Zi.

(This is his method of teaching).

Sweezus thinks aloud. Mmm. What would number two be?

I know! says Terence.

Don't say it! says Sweezus.

Kong Fu-Zi allows himself a small giggle.

Hee hee.

But truly, little baby, says Kong Fu-Zi. Let us know your opinion.

Love all the birds, says Terence, looking sideways at Sweezus.

Wrong, says Sweezus. I bet that's not even number five.

Kong Fu-Zi moves the bird with his foot. Now it is under the table.

You are right, says the Sage. It isn't. The next one is gravity.

Oh cool! says Sweezus. Gravity. I'd never have come up with that one.

There is a knock on the door.

No wait. It's Arthur. Why would he knock on the door?

Arthur comes in with the parrot ( or pigeon ). Without knocking.

Sorry about this, says Arthur. But I have to dump him.

You know what? says Sweezus. I've been thinking the same.

He shoots a black look at the baby.

You can't dump me, says Terence. You have an obligation.

He doesn't, says Kong Fu-Zi. You, as the younger sibling, have the obligation.

Does that go also for parrots? asks the parrot.

I have written very little in regard to animals, says Kong Fu-Zi. So I do not know.

The parrot flutters down gracefully on to the hard head of Terence. From there he sees the dead bird.

Alas, says the parrot. I see you've been up to your tricks again.

He looks sternly at Sweezus.

But Sweezus has had a gut full of blame, fatherhood, compassion, and yes, even gravity!

Who has the mandate of Heaven?

Come on, Arthur, says Sweezus. Let's go.