The Magic Minute

 By Harriet May Savitz                         

Fifth Happening

            Once one settled into the place of Deep Thinking, it was difficult to leave.

            “I know who I am,” thought the Octopus, and it was different than he had ever known before.  “Not everyone can be an Octopus, or change his colors to match his surroundings, or survive without a shell, or be a fierce fighter.  Not everyone can be as I am.  I am unique, and important to the world.”

            “I know who I am,” thought the Giant Squid.  “I have a job to do.  It is not everyone who can have ten arms to use as he pleases or an ink sac to use as protection.  I am one of the largest most intelligent invertebrate in the world.  I am glad I am who I am.  I am important to the world.”

            “It is necessary for me to be here,” thought the Conch.  “Not anyone can be a Conch, to be used as a trumpet or to be ground into fine porcelain China.  I am glad I am who I am.  I am important in this world.”

            And so it continued, each Mollusk discovering his identity, different than he had known himself to be before.

            Even the Grand Sea Turtle made his own discovery.  He had always wished he could move faster than he did.  Now it did not seem important.   His ideas were moving swiftly for him.  The Grand Sea Turtle was proud to be a member of the only group of higher animals that had most of their bony parts on the outside.  He was proud that his turtle jaws had horny edges that could cut hard substances, and he was proud he was an elder statesman.  “I am glad I am who I am,” he thought with confidence.  “I truly am important to the world.”   

            All of them felt it.  A sense of caring.  Hope.  That they were important to the world.  That the world was important.  And Knowing was close by.  Just a few thoughts away.  Knowing how to stop the TENANTS from making Bad News.

            And while they thought as deep as they could on the sand, at the same time, beneath the water, beneath the waves, there was no Deep Thinking.  Another message had been sent by the fierce, vengeful LOWER DOWN.  Another Summit Meeting would take place about the TENANTS.  This meeting would not be peaceful.  This meeting would be one of action and violence and anger.  LOWER DOWN promised he knew just what had to be done and how to get it done quickly. All the Deep Thinking  going on overhead would get them nowhere he told everyone who would listen.  There was no guarantee of a satisfactory outcome.  Winning was important.  Everyone agreed the TENANTS must not win.  LOWER DOWN knew exactly how to secure victory.  He knew where the TENANTS were weak and he knew where they were strong.

            LOWER DOWN picked the Moray Eel to deliver the time and the place of the Summit Meeting. And the battle cry for all the FISH was delivered.

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