The Third Eye Won't See You

Gaius has dug a hole in the back garden.

Not too deep. The dead lizard is flat.

Would you like to say a few words? asks Gaius.

Pizza, says Terence.

That's not very nice, says Gaius. A few words about what sort of lizard he was.

A blue tongue, says Baby Pierre. 

With no sense of direction, says Roo-kai.

Allow me, says Gaius. Today we bury a lizard who had taken refuge in our back garden. Probably thinking it was safe. And it was safe, until I returned home and mowed the grass, which alarmed him. He lay low for a while, then made a decision. He would run across the road. Unfortunately....

Terence has been staring at the dead lizard, whose body is flat and whose head is flat also.

Wah! says Terence. What's that on the top of his HEAD!

A third eye, says Gaius. Most lizards have them. It is called the parietal eye, and is photoreceptive. By this means they can work out if it's day or night, and regulate body temperature.

Do I have one? asks Terence.

No, says Gaius. It's just a hole leading down to the brain.

You could get one, says Baby Pierre. Ask Gaius to drill it.

No way! says Terence. I don't even want one.

Ready? asks Gaius. Any more things to say?

Yes, says Terence. I'll make up a poem.

Go on then, says Gaius.

Goodbye lizard, you won't see us again, says Terence.

Is that all? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Terence.

That was good, says Baby Pierre. Short but effective.

And accurate, says Roo-kai. 

But not very moving, says Gaius. However, if that's it, I shall now cover him with dirt.

He covers the lizard with dirt, and spreads dried grass cuttings on top.