thinair Boulder, Colorado. elevation 5400 feet.

The Master, The Apprentice, and The Staff (whap) "Ouch!"

Master: What is this I hold before you in my hand?

Apprentice: It is a staff, Master.

Master: Correct. But wrong. (whap) hits the apprentice on the arm

Apprentice: Ouch!

Master: What is this I hold before you in my hand?

Apprentice: It is four feet long and made of wood, Master.

Master: Correct. But wrong. (whap) hits the apprentice on the thigh

Apprentice: Ouch!

Master: What is this I hold before you in my hand?

Apprentice: It is a walking stick, carved from the limb of an ancient tree and given to you by your Master.

Master: Correct. But wrong. (whap) hits the apprentice on the arm

Apprentice: Ouch!

Master: What is this I hold before you in my hand?

Apprentice: It is a collection of molecules, atomic particles, and sub-atomic particles bound together by various energies and wielded as used to aid walking or as a weapon.

Master: Correct. But wrong. (whap) sweeps the legs out from under the Apprentice (thud)

Apprentice: Ouch! gets back on his feet

Master: What is this I hold before you in my hand?

Apprentice: It is an extension of your body, Master.

Master: Correct. But wrong. (whoosh)

Apprentice: ducks the master's shot to the head

Master: Excellent! What is this I hold before you in my hand?

Apprentice: Painful, Master.

Master: Correct. But wrong. (whoosh)

Apprentice: jumps over a sweeping attack at the legs

Master: Excellent! What is this I hold before you in my hand?

Apprentice: I do not know, Master.

Master: Then you must study it more closely. hands it to the Apprentice and exits

No description or label can capture the wholeness of the instrument held in the master's hand. Words are a flashlight in a dark cavern. They illuminate one small spot and cast the rest into shadow.

You are in dark. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.

Jim commented

01 September 2003 at 16:17

xyzzy