"The Interesting Tale of the Pretentious Crane and the Prudent Toad"

Finished Monday, June 16th, 2014

"The Interesting Tale of the Pretentious Crane and the Prudent Toad"

A fable by Antonio G.

It was a day, a day like any other. The sun beams brightly shining, curving around the clouds as they cast shadows beneath; provisions for the creatures below to acquire for solitude among the rampant heat that others soak in. Within the shadow of a mightily sailing cloud, there is a Crane, a Crane and a Toad.

The Crane asked:

"Toad, what is it you see down there?" 

The Toad responded: 

"By what is the object of your question? It seems your meaning evades me." 

"My meaning is this," replied the Crane, "what is it about the moistly seasoned ground and the quenched dirt that you find so much solace?"

The Toad was puzzled. "I guess I haven't thought much about where I am. I am too preoccupied with what is above me."

"Then why do you choose to revel in such filth?" Inquired the Crane.

"You seem to be mistaken, Crane. I do not have such love for this muck. I desire to be high above. But, indeed, every time I reach for such hight, I'm brought back to the earth."

The Crane responded:

"I see. What an unfortunate plane to wallow upon."

"Indeed, it is increasingly unfortunate."

"Toad, why have you not grown the means to reach your desires? For I too was once bound to the drunken earth, but I decided it was for me no longer. Why do you not grow like I decided to?"

The Toad became flustered. "Crane, do you think that if I could grow like you I would ever return to this filth? If you are so dedicated and successful, why do you return here? Why not remain in the heavens?"

The Crane was baffled. "Well, Toad, because I have the choice. My fortunes brought me to the heavens, and so I return from shear choice."

Getting angry, the Toad spoke: "I do not believe you understand the magnitude or source of your fortunes, Crane."

Becoming defensive, the Crane responded: "Whatever do you mean, Toad? I am the one who has learned to fly!"

"Simply because your parents gave you wings."

"I am the one who stands tall!"

"Upon the legs your parents gave you."

Getting angry, the Crane lashed out. "Look at my regal, white appearance. It's far better than your earthy garb. It is a symbol of the severity of our deficit."

"Kept clean by the falsehood that is your accomplishment."

The Crane, cloyed by the Toad's incessant quibbling, said: "Toad, if you do not renounce these ridiculous recriminations, I will be compelled to forgo your company."

The Toad, jaded by the Crane's pompous demeanor, said: "That is precisely the response I expected from a privileged creature as yourself. It's as if your exempt stature has blinded you from our positions in nature; you do not even realize my place to you."

The Crane was thoroughly befuddled. "Yes, Toad, I know your position, and it is well beneath me."

"Indeed, but to what extent, Crane?"

The Crane continued, ignoring the Toad: "It seems conversing with you is an aimless venture, and aimless ventures are for the foolish."

"Well, Crane, perhaps it's best for you to remain in the heavens. Where I could only wish to reach with means to agitate you further."

"Finally, wise words come from your inebriated mouth, yet still a few thoughts behind. I shall fly, and may I never hear your daft mouth again." The Crane flew away, way into the sky that not even a shadow cast could paint shapes upon the ground.

The Toad began to smile. "Yes, fly, and may your ostentatious wings carry you perpetually. For it's the pretentious fool that allows his prey to belittle him and swindle him out of food. Your pride will preserve you in heaven until veracity weakens your wings and propels you back to make this soak filled earth your bed."

- Antonio G.