The Name of a Thing

The true power of habit
is just that, the power of habit.

I once heard a squirrel offer this prayer to the tree gods:

“Guard me from intrigue;
save me from suggestion;
deliver me from anger...
the rest I can do for myself.”

After pondering this for several thousand years, I must admit I'm still amazed.

A strolling man can spy an ant and change his direction while thinking, “I will not step on this smaller, helpless creature.”  But no such decision or compassion is forthcoming from our friends Mr. Earthquake and Ms. Tidalwave.

Yeah, I know...but still you best be reminded:

The name of a thing
is not its name,
but only what its name is called.

Once, while on a visit to a far side of the universe, I overheard one star tell another,
“You're certainly on the red side of the spectrum, considering your size.”  And the other one replied: “Yes, but who ever expected silver futures to plummet so near the end of the year?”  Don't look at me –I didn't understand it either.

J.