Terence squats to look under the rock.
Nothing. A bird-shaped empty space, sand, water and bubbles.
A few tiny insects.
Are you looking at me? says the bird-shaped empty space.
No, says Terence. Are you a parrot?
No, says the bird-shaped empty space. I'm not a parrot.
You COULD be, says Terence.
I'm just leaving, says the bird-shaped empty space. Bye now.
Wait! says Terence. Leaving for where?
Siberia, says the bird-shaped empty space. I should have left last month, but I stayed for Mad March.
If you see a rock parrot, says Terence, tell it I'm here.
Where? asks the bird-shaped empty space.
Never mind, says Terence. I suppose you can't see me. So it wouldn't mean anything.
Are you a philosopher? asks the bird-shaped empty space.
No. Yes, says Terence. I actually am. Are you one?
I would be, says the bird-shaped empty space.
Me too, says Terence. Well, goodbye, hole.
He stands up again. Turns away.
A bird flutters up from a second rock, beyond the first one.
A red-necked stint.
On its way to Siberia.
Off it goes.
Towards the Australasian East Asian Flyway......
The red-necked stint, or would-be philosopher, tries to imagine how things might have been different.
Had he been a rock parrot.
Had the strange infant not talked to a hole.
.......
Terence splodges back to the others.
They're still eating chocolate and jam.
Terence, did you see it? cries Belle. A red-necked stint! It flew up right behind you.
Behind me? says Terence. It was in front. And it was invisible.
It was behind you says Midge. We all saw it.
It wasn't the same one, says Terence.
He sits down, next to Sweezus.
An invisible bird, says Sweezus. I could hack that.
It flew away, says Terence. What are you eating?
Jam, says Sweezus.
I'm off to look at the mangroves, says Shu. Anyone care to come with me?
Me, says Arthur.
Not me, says Sweezus. Midge said she'd let me have a go with her Nikon.
I'll come says Barbs. What about you, Terence?
Terence doesn't answer.
He is thinking about the invisible bird and the indefinable nature of reality.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Happiness Is Knowing
Barbs has opened her backpack, and brought out the food.
Cheese, chutney, tapenade, jam and chocolate. A bottle of Clare Valley Riesling.
Sorry, no bread, says Barbs. You'll have to use fingers.
No worries, says Sweezus. I'm starved.
Shouldn't we wait for Arthur and the others? says Midge.
No need to, they're coming, says Belle. Ooh! Terence looks sad.
Terence stomps up to Sweezus. He throws himself down.
Splosh! In a wet patch of samphire.
What's up? says Sweezus.
I've got something, says Terence.
What is it? asks Belle.
NOT LONG TO LIVE! shouts Terence.
Who told you that? asks Belle. Arthur?
Yes, says Terence. He said I've got cancer.
Arthur! says Belle.
Cement-related scab, says Arthur. It was just a white lie for the dad of a kid that Terence almost fractured.
Now I'M fractured, says Terence.
Let's see, says Barb. Eeuw, you're wet. Oh dear, your little legs are scarred, the cement's all striated.
Stir-rated! says Terence. Wah!
Don't worry, says Barbs. You're in luck. I trained as a physio. Take those shorts down.
No, says Terence. These are my gecko shorts.
Are they really? says Belle. I remember your gecko shorts. What happened to the geckos?
They wore off, says Terence. But the shorts won't.
Barbs is opening the tapenade.
She rolls Terence's shorts up (since he won't take them down).
She rubs the tapenade on his calves and then nearly up to his bottom. It's just a placebo.
He smells of olives and oil. He is calmer.
Everyone digs into the cheese, chutney, jam and chocolate (not the tapenade), with their fingers.
They take turns to sample the wine. It's a good one.
Did you photograph any birds, while we were away? enquires Shu.
Some wonderful black swans, says Midge. And Sweezus spotted a red-necked stint, and Belle thinks she saw a sharp-tailed sandpiper.
Is that like a parrot? asks Terence, who is now feeling better.
No, says Midge. But Belle was looking for a parrot.
Where? asks Terence.
Under the rocks, says Belle. Rock parrots sometimes shelter under rocks.
Happiness is knowing this fact!
Terence pats his shorts down over his oily olive-scented legs, and heads over to the nearest rock, under which, surely! a rock parrot will be sheltering.........
Cheese, chutney, tapenade, jam and chocolate. A bottle of Clare Valley Riesling.
Sorry, no bread, says Barbs. You'll have to use fingers.
No worries, says Sweezus. I'm starved.
Shouldn't we wait for Arthur and the others? says Midge.
No need to, they're coming, says Belle. Ooh! Terence looks sad.
Terence stomps up to Sweezus. He throws himself down.
Splosh! In a wet patch of samphire.
What's up? says Sweezus.
I've got something, says Terence.
What is it? asks Belle.
NOT LONG TO LIVE! shouts Terence.
Who told you that? asks Belle. Arthur?
Yes, says Terence. He said I've got cancer.
Arthur! says Belle.
Cement-related scab, says Arthur. It was just a white lie for the dad of a kid that Terence almost fractured.
Now I'M fractured, says Terence.
Let's see, says Barb. Eeuw, you're wet. Oh dear, your little legs are scarred, the cement's all striated.
Stir-rated! says Terence. Wah!
Don't worry, says Barbs. You're in luck. I trained as a physio. Take those shorts down.
No, says Terence. These are my gecko shorts.
Are they really? says Belle. I remember your gecko shorts. What happened to the geckos?
They wore off, says Terence. But the shorts won't.
Barbs is opening the tapenade.
She rolls Terence's shorts up (since he won't take them down).
She rubs the tapenade on his calves and then nearly up to his bottom. It's just a placebo.
He smells of olives and oil. He is calmer.
Everyone digs into the cheese, chutney, jam and chocolate (not the tapenade), with their fingers.
They take turns to sample the wine. It's a good one.
Did you photograph any birds, while we were away? enquires Shu.
Some wonderful black swans, says Midge. And Sweezus spotted a red-necked stint, and Belle thinks she saw a sharp-tailed sandpiper.
Is that like a parrot? asks Terence, who is now feeling better.
No, says Midge. But Belle was looking for a parrot.
Where? asks Terence.
Under the rocks, says Belle. Rock parrots sometimes shelter under rocks.
Happiness is knowing this fact!
Terence pats his shorts down over his oily olive-scented legs, and heads over to the nearest rock, under which, surely! a rock parrot will be sheltering.........
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Thinking The Puzzle Right Through
This is like one of those puzzles.
How do you get down the slide, avoid Rocky's dad, and Rocky, and get to the lunch box which Barbs has just opened on the tidal flats in the distance...
...before all the food disappears.
?
Arthur and Terence, at the top of the slide, are not thinking the puzzle right through.
They've got FOOD! says Terence.
He slides down the slide, making terrible scratches.
Arthur starts to back down the ladder.
Terence is first to get to the bottom.
Squeeeerrrk!
What the hell did you think you were doing! yells Rocky's dad. Pushing my kid off the slide. He could have got a fracture!
Rocky is sitting in the dirt, clutching his shoulder.
He ... begins Terence.
He is about to blame Rocky.
Luckily, Shu has seen everything, and come over.
I saw everything, says Shu.
So did I, says Rocky's dad. And I've got it on camera. You know this kid?
I do, says Shu. I'm here with his carer. That's him coming down the ladder. He'll be upset.
HE will? says Rocky's dad. And what do you mean, carer?
I probably shouldn't tell you this, says Shu, but Terence is poorly.
Rocky's dad stares hard at Terence.
Arthur has now reached the bottom.
I've just been telling this gentleman that Terence is poorly, says Shu.
Yes, says Arthur. Very poorly. He hasn't got too long to live.
Terence tries to process this new information.
Aww, says Rock'y dad, disarmed, (as you would be). What's he got? Cancer? Leukemia?
Scab, says Arthur. It's a type of cement-related cancer.
Jesus! says Rocky's dad. He's a brave little bugger to go up that giant slide.
Yes, he is, says Arthur. This is his Make-A-Wish. A visit to the playground, and a walk through the mangroves.
And a picnic, says Terence. But now I don't feel like a picnic.
What a shame, says Rocky's dad. I guess we should all count our blessings.
Rocky, who is worried he might have a fracture, looks disgusted.
Terence, who has not long to live, looks worried as well.
But the first part of the puzzle is solved.
Arthur, Shu and Terence proceed to the tidal flats, arriving in time for the picnic.
How do you get down the slide, avoid Rocky's dad, and Rocky, and get to the lunch box which Barbs has just opened on the tidal flats in the distance...
...before all the food disappears.
?
Arthur and Terence, at the top of the slide, are not thinking the puzzle right through.
They've got FOOD! says Terence.
He slides down the slide, making terrible scratches.
Arthur starts to back down the ladder.
Terence is first to get to the bottom.
Squeeeerrrk!
What the hell did you think you were doing! yells Rocky's dad. Pushing my kid off the slide. He could have got a fracture!
Rocky is sitting in the dirt, clutching his shoulder.
He ... begins Terence.
He is about to blame Rocky.
Luckily, Shu has seen everything, and come over.
I saw everything, says Shu.
So did I, says Rocky's dad. And I've got it on camera. You know this kid?
I do, says Shu. I'm here with his carer. That's him coming down the ladder. He'll be upset.
HE will? says Rocky's dad. And what do you mean, carer?
I probably shouldn't tell you this, says Shu, but Terence is poorly.
Rocky's dad stares hard at Terence.
Arthur has now reached the bottom.
I've just been telling this gentleman that Terence is poorly, says Shu.
Yes, says Arthur. Very poorly. He hasn't got too long to live.
Terence tries to process this new information.
Aww, says Rock'y dad, disarmed, (as you would be). What's he got? Cancer? Leukemia?
Scab, says Arthur. It's a type of cement-related cancer.
Jesus! says Rocky's dad. He's a brave little bugger to go up that giant slide.
Yes, he is, says Arthur. This is his Make-A-Wish. A visit to the playground, and a walk through the mangroves.
And a picnic, says Terence. But now I don't feel like a picnic.
What a shame, says Rocky's dad. I guess we should all count our blessings.
Rocky, who is worried he might have a fracture, looks disgusted.
Terence, who has not long to live, looks worried as well.
But the first part of the puzzle is solved.
Arthur, Shu and Terence proceed to the tidal flats, arriving in time for the picnic.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Wrecks And Tidal Perspectives
Sweezus heads off with Midge, Barbs and Belle to the tidal flats.
PARROT! shouts Terence, just as they're disappearing.
What's he shouting? asks Midge.
He wants us to look for a parrot, says Sweezus.
Are there parrots round here? asks Belle.
Rock parrots, says Midge. They're quite rare now. It'd be amazing to spot one.
Anything'll do for a parrot, says Sweezus.
What's that supposed to mean? asks Barbs.
For Terence, says Sweezus. Anything'll do for a parrot. A pigeon, a peacock, a balloon......
I'm a professional, says Midge. A balloon won't do anything for me.
Ha ha! laughs Barbs.
What does a rock parrot look like? asks Belle. I'd love to find one.
They have the least colourful plumage of any Australian parrot, says Midge. Dull brownish, olive green, yellow abdomen, slender tail, pale blue above, yellowish below.
Maybe I won't bother, says Belle.
I wouldn't, says Sweezus.
They trudge on over the samphire......
Meanwhile Terence has opted for the famous Saint Kilda Beach playground.
Arthur has taken him there.
Shu has tagged along too. He is sitting on a tyre watching them climb up the ladder to the top of the giant slide, Terence first, Arthur behind him.
Now Terence is at the top. There is already a child there.
Me first, says Terence, to the child. You're not ready.
I am ready, says the child. What's your name?
Terence, says Terence. What's yours?
Rocky, says Rocky. My dad's down the bottom. He's making a video. I have to go first.
No, says Terence. My dad's older than your dad. I have to go first.
Rocky looks at Arthur, whose head is just at the level of Terence's feet.
It's not me, says Arthur. His dad's......elsewhere.
But Rocky has spotted Terence's feet. They look like cement. So do his legs. And probably even his bottom.
You can't go down, says Rocky. You'll wreck the slide.
I won't wreck it, says Terence. Why will I? Anyway, I can if I want to.
DAD! yells Rocky. This kid wants to wreck the slide!
Rocky's dad is sick of waiting for Rocky to come down the slide for the family's Easter video.
Rocky, get down here NOW!
Terence pushes Rocky, to help him on his way.
Rocky falls over the edge of the slide, and tumbles fifteen metres to the ground, unintentionally becoming responsible for the most spectacular family Easter video ever.
His leg and shoulder are hurting, and his ankle is bleeding.
Look what he made me do, says Terence.
You could go down now, says Arthur.
I might wreck it, says Terence. And I might get into trouble.
True. Wait till Rocky's dad goes, says Arthur.
But Rocky's dad is mad. He is waiting at the bottom.
Arthur and Terence remain at the top.
While waiting, they turn seawards. What a view. Tidal flats, seaweed, rocks and a wooden pirate ship.
And beyond that, the salt marshes, Sweezus gazing dreamily skywards.
Belle looking under a rock.
Midge taking a photo.
Barbs getting something out of a back pack.
Maybe it's something to eat.
PARROT! shouts Terence, just as they're disappearing.
What's he shouting? asks Midge.
He wants us to look for a parrot, says Sweezus.
Are there parrots round here? asks Belle.
Rock parrots, says Midge. They're quite rare now. It'd be amazing to spot one.
Anything'll do for a parrot, says Sweezus.
What's that supposed to mean? asks Barbs.
For Terence, says Sweezus. Anything'll do for a parrot. A pigeon, a peacock, a balloon......
I'm a professional, says Midge. A balloon won't do anything for me.
Ha ha! laughs Barbs.
What does a rock parrot look like? asks Belle. I'd love to find one.
They have the least colourful plumage of any Australian parrot, says Midge. Dull brownish, olive green, yellow abdomen, slender tail, pale blue above, yellowish below.
Maybe I won't bother, says Belle.
I wouldn't, says Sweezus.
They trudge on over the samphire......
Meanwhile Terence has opted for the famous Saint Kilda Beach playground.
Arthur has taken him there.
Shu has tagged along too. He is sitting on a tyre watching them climb up the ladder to the top of the giant slide, Terence first, Arthur behind him.
Now Terence is at the top. There is already a child there.
Me first, says Terence, to the child. You're not ready.
I am ready, says the child. What's your name?
Terence, says Terence. What's yours?
Rocky, says Rocky. My dad's down the bottom. He's making a video. I have to go first.
No, says Terence. My dad's older than your dad. I have to go first.
Rocky looks at Arthur, whose head is just at the level of Terence's feet.
It's not me, says Arthur. His dad's......elsewhere.
But Rocky has spotted Terence's feet. They look like cement. So do his legs. And probably even his bottom.
You can't go down, says Rocky. You'll wreck the slide.
I won't wreck it, says Terence. Why will I? Anyway, I can if I want to.
DAD! yells Rocky. This kid wants to wreck the slide!
Rocky's dad is sick of waiting for Rocky to come down the slide for the family's Easter video.
Rocky, get down here NOW!
Terence pushes Rocky, to help him on his way.
Rocky falls over the edge of the slide, and tumbles fifteen metres to the ground, unintentionally becoming responsible for the most spectacular family Easter video ever.
His leg and shoulder are hurting, and his ankle is bleeding.
Look what he made me do, says Terence.
You could go down now, says Arthur.
I might wreck it, says Terence. And I might get into trouble.
True. Wait till Rocky's dad goes, says Arthur.
But Rocky's dad is mad. He is waiting at the bottom.
Arthur and Terence remain at the top.
While waiting, they turn seawards. What a view. Tidal flats, seaweed, rocks and a wooden pirate ship.
And beyond that, the salt marshes, Sweezus gazing dreamily skywards.
Belle looking under a rock.
Midge taking a photo.
Barbs getting something out of a back pack.
Maybe it's something to eat.
Everything Else I (Rude Word) Hate
In the camper, on the way to Saint Kilda:
Terence is singing.
If you must sing the Beard song, says Belle, change that rude word, will you.
What rude word? asks Terence.
You know exactly which one, says Belle.
Here's a nice version, says Barbs. Try this, Terence.
Beards are good
Beards are great
Everything else
I truly hate
Truly hate, says Terence. That's not even one tiny bit nicer.
He's right, says Sweezus. Maybe not truly.
Maybe not hate, says Shu.
You're a poet, says Midge. Come up with something.
South go the wild geese, for leaves are now falling..... says Shu,
That's lovely, says Midge. If irrelevant. Do you like birds, Shu?
Not really, says Shu. Not actual ones.
Like me, says Sweezus.
I forgot you don't like birds, says Midge.
It's his only fault, says Belle fondly.
I LOVE birds, says Terence. I had a parrot. And then.....
Arthur cut its head off, says Sweezus. It was an accident, though.
Yes, it was an accident, says Arthur. It's those Swiss Army knives. If you have the wrong part out....
Spare us, says Barbs. Anyhow, it's a pity you guys, except Terence, don't like birds.
How come? asks Sweezus.
Because Midge has this photography assignment, says Barbs. She's doing a spread for an online magazine.
A bird one? says Sweezus.
Yep, says Barbs. Black swans and you know... the usual... pelicans and cormorants.
Egrets and herons, spoonbills, fairy wrens, chats, says Midge. But yeah, you guys can do the mangrove board walk, or the playground......
No, says Sweezus, I'll come with you. I need to man up. What's your camera?
A Nikon D7750, says Midge. Good on you, Sweezus
Yes, says Belle. Well done you!
Find me a parrot, says Terence. And I'll sing truly.
Aw, what a sweetheart, says Barbs.
We might go to the playground, says Arthur, looking at Shu.
Shu is in two minds. Mangrove board walk sounds more intriguing.
Then everyone looks at Terence.
What would he rather do?
Terence is singing.
If you must sing the Beard song, says Belle, change that rude word, will you.
What rude word? asks Terence.
You know exactly which one, says Belle.
Here's a nice version, says Barbs. Try this, Terence.
Beards are good
Beards are great
Everything else
I truly hate
Truly hate, says Terence. That's not even one tiny bit nicer.
He's right, says Sweezus. Maybe not truly.
Maybe not hate, says Shu.
You're a poet, says Midge. Come up with something.
South go the wild geese, for leaves are now falling..... says Shu,
That's lovely, says Midge. If irrelevant. Do you like birds, Shu?
Not really, says Shu. Not actual ones.
Like me, says Sweezus.
I forgot you don't like birds, says Midge.
It's his only fault, says Belle fondly.
I LOVE birds, says Terence. I had a parrot. And then.....
Arthur cut its head off, says Sweezus. It was an accident, though.
Yes, it was an accident, says Arthur. It's those Swiss Army knives. If you have the wrong part out....
Spare us, says Barbs. Anyhow, it's a pity you guys, except Terence, don't like birds.
How come? asks Sweezus.
Because Midge has this photography assignment, says Barbs. She's doing a spread for an online magazine.
A bird one? says Sweezus.
Yep, says Barbs. Black swans and you know... the usual... pelicans and cormorants.
Egrets and herons, spoonbills, fairy wrens, chats, says Midge. But yeah, you guys can do the mangrove board walk, or the playground......
No, says Sweezus, I'll come with you. I need to man up. What's your camera?
A Nikon D7750, says Midge. Good on you, Sweezus
Yes, says Belle. Well done you!
Find me a parrot, says Terence. And I'll sing truly.
Aw, what a sweetheart, says Barbs.
We might go to the playground, says Arthur, looking at Shu.
Shu is in two minds. Mangrove board walk sounds more intriguing.
Then everyone looks at Terence.
What would he rather do?
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Stiff In The Morning
3.30 am. The music has stopped. It's quiet in the camp site. Except for some coughing and retching.
4 am. Midge's camper creaks, the door opens and Arthur slides out. He can't sleep with those things in his pocket.
4.10 am. Terence tumbles out onto the grass.
4.11 am. Shu emerges.
Can't you sleep, either? whispers Shu.
NO! shouts Terence.
He fell out, says Arthur.
It's cold, says Shu. But it's hot in the camper.
Too many people, says Arthur. I need knee room.
I need knee room too, says Terence.
What did you think of the music? asks Shu.
Not bad, says Arthur.
It was EXCELLENT! says Terence. I was singing. I got into trouble.
So I heard, says Arthur. What were you singing?
Beard Song, says Terence.
The last verse? asks Arthur.
Yes, says Terence. The best one.
No wonder you got into trouble, says Arthur.
I didn't hear it, says Shu.
You didn't miss anything, says Arthur. Anyway, you were busy making money.
Not deliberately, says Shu.
What are you going to do with it? asks Arthur.
Pay Midge for our tickets, says Shu.
Don't do that, says Arthur. That's like giving money to Cambodia twice.
How do you mean? asks Shu.
She's already paid, says Arthur. You may as well keep it.
Little ears are listening, says Shu.
But Terence's little ears are not listening. He is humming the beard song.
So ..... you wouldn't pay her, says Shu.
I never pay for anything, says Arthur.
( a lie; he once paid for a yellow ostrich bracelet for Sweezus)
That's one of the reasons I love you, says Shu.
Have you still got that knife I gave you? asks Arthur.
Yes, says Shu. But if you're suggesting a fight, I protest. It was only a dinner knife.
SHUT UP! yells a nearby angry trying-hard-to-fall-asleep camper.
So they do not fight. They just huddle outside until morning.
.......
Morning. A horrible glaring bright country outdoors morning.
Sweezus is stiff, from trying to remain rigid in the camper while Midge, Barbs and Belle roll about unrestricted.
What a great night! says Midge, yawning and stretching. Now does anyone object if we get going immediately? I have to go to Saint Kilda.
Ugh! Saint Kilda. What for?
Photos, says Midge. It's my job, remember.
Oh yes, It's her job, remember.
4 am. Midge's camper creaks, the door opens and Arthur slides out. He can't sleep with those things in his pocket.
4.10 am. Terence tumbles out onto the grass.
4.11 am. Shu emerges.
Can't you sleep, either? whispers Shu.
NO! shouts Terence.
He fell out, says Arthur.
It's cold, says Shu. But it's hot in the camper.
Too many people, says Arthur. I need knee room.
I need knee room too, says Terence.
What did you think of the music? asks Shu.
Not bad, says Arthur.
It was EXCELLENT! says Terence. I was singing. I got into trouble.
So I heard, says Arthur. What were you singing?
Beard Song, says Terence.
The last verse? asks Arthur.
Yes, says Terence. The best one.
No wonder you got into trouble, says Arthur.
I didn't hear it, says Shu.
You didn't miss anything, says Arthur. Anyway, you were busy making money.
Not deliberately, says Shu.
What are you going to do with it? asks Arthur.
Pay Midge for our tickets, says Shu.
Don't do that, says Arthur. That's like giving money to Cambodia twice.
How do you mean? asks Shu.
She's already paid, says Arthur. You may as well keep it.
Little ears are listening, says Shu.
But Terence's little ears are not listening. He is humming the beard song.
So ..... you wouldn't pay her, says Shu.
I never pay for anything, says Arthur.
( a lie; he once paid for a yellow ostrich bracelet for Sweezus)
That's one of the reasons I love you, says Shu.
Have you still got that knife I gave you? asks Arthur.
Yes, says Shu. But if you're suggesting a fight, I protest. It was only a dinner knife.
SHUT UP! yells a nearby angry trying-hard-to-fall-asleep camper.
So they do not fight. They just huddle outside until morning.
.......
Morning. A horrible glaring bright country outdoors morning.
Sweezus is stiff, from trying to remain rigid in the camper while Midge, Barbs and Belle roll about unrestricted.
What a great night! says Midge, yawning and stretching. Now does anyone object if we get going immediately? I have to go to Saint Kilda.
Ugh! Saint Kilda. What for?
Photos, says Midge. It's my job, remember.
Oh yes, It's her job, remember.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Pale Fat Good Friday Moon
Evening, at Blenheim.
The moon has come up, pale and fat.
Sweezus and Arthur are skulking behind Midge's camper.
The sounds of Beard anthems thrum through the night.
Followed by high energy Latino gritty pretty electronica and Afro Caribbean revelry.
No glass.
And no one is being a dick head.
(There's a no dick head policy at Blenheim)
Cut it off, says Sweezus.
Are you sure? says Arthur. It's not all that obvious.
It's embarrassing, says Sweezus.
He looks up at the pale fat Good Friday moon.
The pale fat Good Friday moon is immobile but he can tell it is itching to twitch.
The Good Friday moon would never allow a girl to convince him to let her pay for a hair wrap.
(The round no-hair moon)
All right, if you're certain, says Arthur, getting his Swiss army knife out.
He snips off the bright wool-wrapped strand.
Shoves it into his pocket.
Sweezus's hair.
How long does this go for? asks Sweezus.
Midge said till three, says Arthur.
Sheeez! says Sweezus. It's freakin' freezing.
We could get warm in the camper, says Arthur.
They try it. It's locked.
There you are, says Midge, appearing from Trumpet Lane, with Terence. This little fellow needs to chill out for a spell.
Her flowers are wilting, she looks frazzled.
She opens the back of the van.
I don't, says Terence. She's just mad because I was singing.
He wasn't just singing, says Midge.
Singing, says Terence. Everyone's singing.
Not what you were singing, says Midge.
Shu comes up out of the dark.
Look at this, says Shu. He holds out some notes. A handful of money.
Did you find it? asks Midge.
No I was given it, says Shu.
How come? asks Sweezus.
I was reciting, says Shu. And someone asked me if I was Cambodian. I continued reciting. And received all this money.
There is something not right with this story.
But no one perceives it.
Belle arrives, looking perky.
Until....
Sweezie! What happened to your beautiful hair wrap? Wait till Barbs sees you!
He's still got it, says Arthur. It's here for safe keeping.
He pats his shorts pocket.
Sweezus looks up at the Good Friday moon.
How cold he is, and the moon appears to be twitching.
He would kill for some chocolate.
The moon has come up, pale and fat.
Sweezus and Arthur are skulking behind Midge's camper.
The sounds of Beard anthems thrum through the night.
Followed by high energy Latino gritty pretty electronica and Afro Caribbean revelry.
No glass.
And no one is being a dick head.
(There's a no dick head policy at Blenheim)
Cut it off, says Sweezus.
Are you sure? says Arthur. It's not all that obvious.
It's embarrassing, says Sweezus.
He looks up at the pale fat Good Friday moon.
The pale fat Good Friday moon is immobile but he can tell it is itching to twitch.
The Good Friday moon would never allow a girl to convince him to let her pay for a hair wrap.
(The round no-hair moon)
All right, if you're certain, says Arthur, getting his Swiss army knife out.
He snips off the bright wool-wrapped strand.
Shoves it into his pocket.
Sweezus's hair.
How long does this go for? asks Sweezus.
Midge said till three, says Arthur.
Sheeez! says Sweezus. It's freakin' freezing.
We could get warm in the camper, says Arthur.
They try it. It's locked.
There you are, says Midge, appearing from Trumpet Lane, with Terence. This little fellow needs to chill out for a spell.
Her flowers are wilting, she looks frazzled.
She opens the back of the van.
I don't, says Terence. She's just mad because I was singing.
He wasn't just singing, says Midge.
Singing, says Terence. Everyone's singing.
Not what you were singing, says Midge.
Shu comes up out of the dark.
Look at this, says Shu. He holds out some notes. A handful of money.
Did you find it? asks Midge.
No I was given it, says Shu.
How come? asks Sweezus.
I was reciting, says Shu. And someone asked me if I was Cambodian. I continued reciting. And received all this money.
There is something not right with this story.
But no one perceives it.
Belle arrives, looking perky.
Until....
Sweezie! What happened to your beautiful hair wrap? Wait till Barbs sees you!
He's still got it, says Arthur. It's here for safe keeping.
He pats his shorts pocket.
Sweezus looks up at the Good Friday moon.
How cold he is, and the moon appears to be twitching.
He would kill for some chocolate.
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