Damonetics: A Proverb

An old woman, unfair of face, stumbled through the woods, picking her way through tree roots, branches and leaves. The townspeople laughed at her awkward gait and turned to their children. "Let this be a lesson. Remain poised at all times. Don't look for ways to ruin your manicure." The young'uns nodded sagely and vowed never to be like the haggy old woman.

After picking a mere half-basket of boysenberries, said ungraceful creature found a clearing in the woods, decided to seek succor, when she stumbled over a log and landed on her face.

"Watch out," a hooded man barked, appearing from behind a shady elm.

The old lady lifted her battered face. "Who be ye?" she croaked.

"I have an important lesson to impart," he said, a wisp of blond hair appearing from the burlap.

Where did he come from? she asked herself. No less than godlike, the man must have been sent to watch over her. Her cheeks flushed in anticipation. The sun's rays pierced the foliage and warmed the two as they beheld one another. Though bleeding from the face, the old woman knew she was in the presence of something good.

"I'm waiting," she said breathlessly.

Those ruby lips parted, his glistening eyes radiating the wisdom of all the ages. "Watch where you're going."

And so, young readers, when you encounter a Damon in the woods, be sure to walk nice and heed his Word.