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" The way to Paradise"
Poor and Homeless sat by the side of the dusty road. Poor and Homeless was seated next to an empty bowl alongside which was propped a sign which read in large letters " The way to Paradise ". Poor and Homeless had been sitting next to the road since time began. Many travellers passed by. Some were alone, some were silent, some muttered indistinguishable words. Some were in disciplined groups--almost marching. Some were preceded by the banging of drums and the sound of trumpets. Some were carried in comfort in sedan chairs. Some looked at the sign as they passed by and felt perhaps a satisfying confirmation.
Poor and Homeless became aware of the Stumbler approaching some time before the Stumbler appeared. Poor and Homeless was made aware by hearing the sounds the Stumbler made. The Stumbler made a great mixture of sounds, sometimes joyous, sometimes sounds of distress, sometimes angry, often laughter.
The Stumbler arrived and stood in front of Poor and Homeless. Poor and Homeless looked up. Stumbler smiled and took from a small bag a piece of bread and a coin, placing both in the bowl saying " Please allow me to share this with you. "
Poor and Homeless also smiled.
Stumbler then asked " Is this really the road to Paradise ? "
Poor and Homeless replied, " I have no idea. "
" Then why do you have the sign ? " asked the Stumbler, looking puzzled.
" The sign does not refer to the road " said Poor and Homeless,
" The sign is for the bowl ".
xxpete
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