Looking For the Goodness in All Things - Part One of Three

Looking for the Goodness in All Things

“I don’t want to close my eyes, Daddy.”

“Why?”

“‘Cause bad dreams happen when I do.”

“Sweetheart, sometimes the thoughts in our head have a mind of their own. They can take us to places that make us unhappy. You need to remember that you’re the boss. Every time you feel a bad thought coming on, just shake your head and say, ‘Get out of my dreams, knucklehead! You don’t belong here! Scoot! Megan’s in charge!’”

“Okay,” said Megan. “I’ll try.”

“Good girl. And, remember, bad dreams can’t hurt you. They only make you think they can. Let ‘em know you’re having none of it. Tell them you’re looking for the goodness in all things and will accept no substitutes.”

“I will, Daddy. I promise."

Megan was soon fast asleep and wandering in her usual place in the forest.

***

"Whoooo goes there?"

The owl who wore sunglasses ruffled his feathers, sniffed the warm summer breeze and sighed.

"I know you're not a mouse," said the owl. "I can nap here in my tree and still smell a mouse at a thousand paces. Are you some other sort of edible? I'm not terrible fussy. Unless you're too bony. Then you won't do at all. I'm afraid at my age I'm getting a little soft in the beak. Well? Are you still there? Speak up! No one gets past me without a formal introduction! I'm king of the forest, you know!"

"No you're not," said Megan. "Everyone knows that only lion's get to be kings of the forest."

"Oh, I see. You're one of those 'raised on video' human types who believe everything they see on TV. I suppose you believe that lions sing and dance and have many comical adventures? Well, you'd be wrong! I only wish we had a lion of such caliber. All our lions ever do is sneeze. No entertainment value there.”

“Sneeze?”

“All the time. It’s the mice. They’re allergic. It’s gotten to the point where the lions have lost their roar. They’re too busy blowing their noses and hiding from the mice. But it’s impossible to hide from mice. They get into everything! And, by the way, only wise old owls get to be king of the forest. Because a snotty-nosed sneezer does not a good king make!"

“One shouldn't gloat. It's ill-mannered. And that last sentence of yours sounds all backwards!" said Megan.

“Yes. I know. How rude of you to say so. And what’s it to you? You’re just an outsider looking in. I demand you stop looking! Immediately! Whatever it is you’re looking for, that is.”

“I was looking for the goodness in all things.”

"Well, you've come to the wrong place! I'd take off my sunglasses and give you one of my long, scary stares, but I'm afraid they're glued on tight. A practical joke by a pride of disgruntled lions. Goodness? Good luck on that, little lady. Now scram!"

“I will not! You may think you’re king of the forest, but you’re not ruling me! I will find some goodness in this forest if it takes forever. Or at least until I wake up.”

“If you dare come into this forest I’ll have the pigeon posse on your trail!”

“Ooh! Sounds scary! But since I’m not afraid of this silly dream. I will see what sort of goodness this forest has to offer. Goodbye, Mr. Owl, sir.”

“You’ll be sorry, little girl!”

“We’ll see about that.”

“A word of advice before you go, miss. Beware of the mayor. He’s newly elected and it’s gone to his head. He just might want to take yours if he finds you disagreeable. You won’t last half a minute!"

“We'll see about that," said Megan.

***
“Halt! State your name and business! And be quick about it! Mayor Rump doesn’t let just anyone into his township!  And why aren’t you wearing your flag pin?”

“Flag pin?” said Megan.

“Yes. The pin that shows your true allegiance.”

“You don’t need a pin for that. It’s what’s in your heart and mind that counts.”

“Blasphemer! Now you’ll have to have an audience with the mayor. And the mayor hates a disagreeable audience! It puts his hair in a state of bad weather. So, mind what you say!”

“I’ll be very respectful,” said Megan.

“He’d prefer obedience, young lady. Good manners are a bit high brow for the mayor. Now, follow me!”