Lessons of the World
Intermission One
Deep in the heart of the mysterious, wooded, and highly misunderstood landmass known as Mississippi, tucked between the alligator bayous of Louisiana and hillbilly foothills of Alabama, a young apprentice was cleaning up around the small camp that he and his sensei now called home in the Pine Belt of Mississippi.
Joseph had picked up a rhythm as he vigorously swept away dead pine straw, twigs, and grass from around the camp. By now there was a decent sized pile behind the camp, most of which would be used as fuel to keep sensei's tea fire going- because Joseph never knew when sensei would need a cup of fresh brewed tea. He had to be prepared at a moment's notice. As for their camp, it needed to be spotless by sundown. The giant apprentice didn't know why he needed to clean the outdoors camp; he just did. There was no need for him to question or disappoint sensei. Especially after yesterday's little incident with the stone…
Up above the camp, high in the tree tops of the swaying, pencil-thin pines, Ancient Wen Joseph's longtime sensei and teacher, was chatting with a small, bright red cardinal perched beside him on a pine limb.
"So, Little Friend, how was your trip? Did everything go well for you?" Ancient Wen asked. He shiftily eyed the cardinal. "Did you meet any nice lady cardinals?"
Little Friend cocked his head at Ancient Wen and, if birds could, did the equivalent of a deep, embarrassed blush. He quickly the other way, trying to hide his feathered face. Little Friend let out a quiet, embarrassed cheep.
Ancient Wen raised an eyebrow in surprise. He pushed the brim of his bamboo pan hat up with his thumb. "You did, eh? Was she nice or completely bird-brained?"
Cheep.
"Did you get a peck on the beak or did she wing you off?"
Cheep!
"Alright, alright, Little Friend. I won't pry any further," apologized Ancient Wen. "Heck, you can't blame on old man for trying to spice up his life with somebody else's, can you?"
The old man produced a soggy, home-made roll-up cigarette and lit with a snap of his fingers. Puffing it to life, he let a purely contented sigh escape his lips and took a cleansing breath. Wen glanced at the cigarette. Something was off. Maybe the tobacco was getting old? He shrugged. Other than maybe a decent smoke, there was nothing else that could make this day any better. The afternoon sky was painted in a varying palette of yellows and oranges and violets. A gentle breeze cooled his white mustache. The young ox that was his apprentice was busy at work…
"Yah know, Little Friend," Ancient Wen began, "I could get used to this kind of life." He blew life into a sweet-smelling smoke dragon that darted to and fro on the breeze, much to the amusement of Little Friend.
Ancient a Wen reached deep into his robe sleeve and pulled out a small bag sunflower seeds. Pouring a tiny amount into his palm, he shared the seeds with the cardinal.
"I guess tomorrow we will have to restart with the Life Lessons, Little Friend," lamented Ancient Wen. He sighed again, this time in quiet disappointment. "Didn't an old man, one time long ago, say that all the perfect days can't last forever, but the rough ones can?"
Little Friend let out a cheep and went back to gobbling up sunflower seeds.
"I guess you're right, Little Friend. We just gotta enjoy the perfect days while they last."
A/N: Aloha, much valued readers. How yah doin'? Cuz I'm doing just peachy, yah know. Now, you're prolly askin' yourself why there's an 'Intermission' right smack in the meat of the tale, huh. I know you are. Anyways, I wrote it because I wanted to keep the hungry readers fed and satisfied, for even a little bit at least. The Intermissions give me time to think up ideas for Life Lessons while still allowing me something to post. They also serve as to give some insight into the lives of Joseph, Wen, and Little Friend. Hope y'all like 'em cuz I do and that's what matters most. Hah. Just joshing with yah. Please don't leave me :[.
Anyhoo, please RnR the LoW.
Scott, SFKW
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