The Shape of Life
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, I think that maybe life is red, like a ripe tomato!”
The caterpillar laughed happily and said, “No, Mr. Snail! I didn’t ask about the color of life, I asked you 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 about the scent of life, I ask 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 in sorrowful tears, shook his head, and said, “No, Mr. Snail! I didn’t ask about the sound of life, I asked you 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 flavor like a juicy cherry!”
Losing his patience, the caterpillar grew very angry, and said, “If you don’t want to answer me, then fine! I’m not gonna ask you anymore, Mr. Snail! Good bye!”
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.”
