The Shape of Life
Autor: Fiona-chan
One day, the caterpillar asked the snail, "Mr Snail, you know many things. Could you tell me, what kind of shape is the shape of life?"
The snail nodded, and answered: "Well, Mr Caterpillar, maybe life is red, like a ripe tomato."
The caterpillar laughed happily and said, "No, Mr Snail! I didn't ask about the colour of life! I asked about the shape!"
The snail nodded, and pondered. And then he answered, "Well Mr Caterpillar, I think that maybe it has a sweet scent, like a pot of honey."
The caterpillar let out a disappointed sigh and said, "No, Mr Snail! I didn't ask you about the scent of life! I asked you about the shape!"
The snail nodded, and pondered, and thought some more. And then he answered, "Well, Mr Caterpillar, I think that maybe it murmurs, like a babbling brook."
The caterpillar finally broke down into sorrowful tears, shook his head, and said, "No, Mr Snail! I didn't ask about the sound of life! I asked about the shape!"
The snail nodded, and pondered, and at long last he finally answered, "Well Mr Caterpillar, I think that maybe, it has a sharp, sweet flavour, like a juicy cherry."
Losing his patience, the caterpillar grew very angry, and said, "If you don't want to answer me, fine! I'm not going to ask you any more, Mr Snail! Goodbye!" And with that, the caterpillar turned around and went home.
When he was gone, the snail nodded and said, "Oh, Mr Caterpillar. You already knew the answer. Happiness, disappointment, sorrow, anger. These are the sights, smells, sounds and tastes. Life can take on many different shapes."