The Clemstead

A place heavy with history and screaming for new thoughts.

Mag 26: April 19,1951

A stack of papers lay on the ground as a few reside in an old cabinet covered with bits of green and gray paint.

Some papers are between waiting for a breath or air to push them back into the cabinet or release them into a full fall.

One paper has jagged torn edges, evidence that the exit from the journal pad it once lived in had been violent. A date in a juvenile hand was placed in the right hand corner.

Z Z Z
April 19, 1951

“The meeting has now been called to order! Squito-squad please settle down to a low buzz. The sound is deafening. Before we get started let me remind you that the emergency exit has been marked clearly by Blackie’s web strand. She has promised me that it only contains enough sticky substance to get up the hill to the emergency exit and that no harm will come to any of us.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” Night Chirper moaned “you aren’t exactly her favorite food. Why must we gather at the crack of dawn? Can we please get to the point of this meeting so I can get some sleep?” Everyone looked at him sourly. “What?!!” he retorted shrugging his antennae.

“Are we done with the complaints?” Ladybug scans her audience. “Good, let us proceed. Ester Wisteria, whom we can thank for our cover today, has an announcement. It seems it is time for Ester’s seeds to break free from their pods. Since only one of us has been though this rite of spring I will ask him to come forward. Mr. Centenarian Pede are you here?

A long form slowly walks down to the bottom "I'm here Lady and you all can call me Pede." He curls himself by the sunflower seed husk that has been acting as a podium.

Bumble shivers despite himself. “I can’t help it he gives me the whillies.” He confesses to Night Chirper.

Night Chirper chirped, “Is that his face? I thought it was his ...” Ladybug bumped Night Chirper before he could finish.

“Now every spring Ester and her wisteria brethren’s pods," Pede began “start to dry out in the sun. When they get too hot they explode and the seeds shoot wherever they may. Simple Ester and her kin's offspring can kill you in an instant. My Uncle Pede III, when he was but a lad, survived a bombardment but the last third of his body became paralyzed.”

Night Chirper snickered and whispered to Bumble, “He had a case of the wanderin’ behind.” Ladybug shot Night Chirper a look.

“Pede”, Bumble quivered “I’m a flyer I should be safe. Right?”

Pede looked at Bumble. “No, you are not. These seeds go into any direction they please and can go as far 6 ft. You will need to take precautions along with the rest of us. I’ve talked with Ester and she has consented to give us an all clear sign by uncovering this here can. So keep to shady areas, if you’re near the wisteria clan, or better yet just stay out of range until this is over.”

Ladybug returned to the husk as Pede climbs back up to the top of the can. “So, we have been given an advanced warning. Thank you, Pede. My hope is that we will all remain safe the next few days. Until Ester gives us the all clear signal, we will need to move the next few meetings to another location. Any suggestions?”

“The well, the well, the well, “the Squito-squad chimed. Night Chirper looked at their direction.
“No way!” he protested, “It will take me weeks to dry out my legs and if I fall in I’ll never get out. How about the tree that has fallen over at the end of the garden? The humans are still have winter in them and aren't moving much and I don’t think they’ll get to that tree for another few weeks yet.”

Ladybug nodded. “Anyone else have a suggestion? No? The tree it is, a week from today. This meeting is adjourned. Stay safe everyone and pass this information along to those that couldn’t make it today.”

Night Chirper blurted, "Someone other than me better talk to the ants. I gotta get some sleep before my next concert."


Z Z Z



The anticipated breeze comes from the window and the paper falls to the floor.

8 comments:

Helen August 9, 2010 at 11:47 AM  

Oh, the antics that only the garden creatures see ... delightful!

Kathe W. August 9, 2010 at 12:41 PM  

clever clever you- this is the beginnning of a charming childrens story....very fun read

signed...bkm August 9, 2010 at 2:10 PM  

great and fun read....love the garden creatures and their view of the world....bkm

Brian Miller August 9, 2010 at 3:56 PM  

ha. brilliant...a fresh take on the prompt...love the view throught he creatures eyes...i do believe my boys would love it...smiles.

Everyday Goddess August 9, 2010 at 5:20 PM  

that was a fun read and a very good magpie tale!

Tumblewords: August 9, 2010 at 10:37 PM  

Very imaginative - a delightful read!

Tess Kincaid August 11, 2010 at 3:00 PM  

This is so charming!!

~T~ August 11, 2010 at 10:24 PM  

I never knew bugs were so organized! Besides the cloud of gnats just off the front porch, that is. Wonderful!

About Me

My photo
I come from German (Mennonite/Brethren) stock with bits of Norse, Celtic, Native American, and some mysterious unknown combination from an adopted grandparent. Not an uncommon blend for most of us who settled early in Pennsylvania. This type of diverse heritage left me ripe for the genealogical bug. I make a pilgrimage once a month and attempt to trace all the branches of my family tree. Unearthing facts that were never documented previously always brings excitement.

Nakoah is following...

Picture of the Month

Picture of the Month
Harvest Time

Followers

Powered by Blogger.