Lali and the Storyteller Episode One: You Chose the Poem!

Good for you!
by Peg Fisher

ou choose the poem!" Storyteller beamed, and her eyes twinkled merrily in her warm brown face. Just then, Lali's cat stretched himself and twined around Lali's ankles, soft and bright as sunshine. He was a large handsome yellow beast, with a glossy coat that spoke of full meals and much time for grooming. Lali smiled at him. She picked him up, and cuddled her face in his fur. He bumped her under the chin with his head, and purred. She snuggled him in her arms. "See, Tomasi," she said to him fondly. "It's our lucky day! Storyteller visits!"

Storyteller smiled widely, full lips merrily upturned. Slowly, gently, she held her hand out to Tomasi. He sniffed it, then rasped the woman's fingertips with a sandpapery tongue. "He likes you!" Lali's eyes danced.

"Yes, I have a way with fur folk." Storyteller thought a moment, humming ummmm, hmmmmm, mmmmm, under her breath. "Ah! I remember now. Just the thing! I give you a poem about a cat!"

"Listen, Tomasi," Lali whispered. "It's a poem like you!"

Storyteller threw back her head and spoke:

[tabbycat graphic]

Old gold tomcat, throaty purr,

Miniature adventurer,

Old gold tomcat, whiskered face,

Off and roaming every place--

Stalk the rooftop, scale the tree,

Settle on a favorite knee.

Old gold tomcat, calm, reclined,

You're a lion in your mind--

You're a lion in your mind.

"I like it! Tell me another?" Lali looked up at Storyteller hopefully.

"Another day, child. Another day."

"Awwww...."

"Now, Storyteller must walk the world, to find the tales to bring to you. Yet I will be back, oh yes! Back with more tales, and a thirst to trade them for. When the week turns to the third day, watch for me. I'll stop in the shade of this tall, tall tree, with tales for you. Is it well?"

"It is well. Walk happy, Storyteller!"

"Dance happy, Lali!"

And the Storyteller took up her hiking stick, put on her pack, and went her way, humming hmmmmm, ummmm, mmmmm, until the next week.