Lessons From The Bridge

Yawn, stretch what a beautiful morning thought Enzo. The human angels had just turned on the big warm yellow ball and were putting on the finishing touches on the sky. Orange, pinks and lavenders illuminated the gorgeous sunrise. Enzo rubbed his eyes and gazed intently at the distant rainbow that marked the entryway to the Bridge. He didn't think he would ever get tired of the view he had from his eternal mountain home. His tinest friend Simon the Goldfinch fluttered about singing a cheery tune. Enzo cocked his head and listened to Simon's song for the asking, when a familiar smell came from the silver bowl that contained his low calorie diet breakfast. Not again thought Enzo as he lifted the cover off the bowl and glared at the diet kibble that Judge Foley ordered for him. I wonder how long it will be before I get some real food up here? Come on Simon let's go to the stream and feed Clyde. It seemed to Enzo that Clyde the Rainbow Trout was the only creature at the bridge that liked diet kibble. So Enzo accompanied by Simon started up the trail to the quiet water where Clyde made his home. Enzo and Simon sat on the bank of sparkling mountain stream as they smiled at the enthusiastic fish as he gobbled up the tasteless diet kibble! 

Now Simon can fly on his own, but his favorite spot for traveling is on top of Enzo’s fury head. He loved riding up there while softly speaking in Enzo’s ear. Simon, though very sweet, was also a bit of a gossip. Simon grabbed Enzo’s ear in his beak & pulled it open so he could tell him a secret.  

“I heard” Simon quietly whispered as he darted his eyes around making sure no one else was within ear’s reach, “there’s a chocolate fountain in the town hall for the spring celebration.” Enzo’s eyes opened wide as he began to picture the yummy, brown confection slowly dripping off the fountain. He stuck out his tongue and could practically taste the melting chocolate from his imagination soaking his tongue with scrumptiousness. Simon laughed at Enzo’s dazed eyes & big tongue hanging out of his mouth. “Enzo! Ennnnzoooh! snap out of it buddy” Simon exclaimed! Enzo blinked & then blinked again, finally the glassy expression on his face dissipated & Enzo uttered, like Batman would instruct Robin “to the Town Hall!”

    The Diet Kibble Rebellion of                            2022

Enzo and Simon hurried along the path to the bridge's main meeting place dubbed as the Town Hall. When suddenly they heard quite a commotion up ahead of them with cries of No More Diet Kibble!!! We want the freedom to eat cookies and drink from the chocolate fountain! As Simon and I came closer we met Angels Willie, Mickey, Aran, Lucky, Max, Radar, Pocket, Kane, Daisy, Megan, Gwen and Marshmallow!  My eyes were wide and said to my friends are you getting diet kibble too? Yes they said in unison and it tastes awful. Will you join us in boycotting Judge Foleys diet. Why yes I would love to participate when suddenly Simon fluttered about tweeting excitably about the chocolate fountain! All eyes turned to watch the silly little goldfinch when it sunk in about what he was twittering about!  Signs dropped to the ground and Aran yelled Charge! There was a flurry of paws scrambling on the soft dirt of the freshly groomed trail that led to the Town Hall and the revered chocolate fountain! 

I don't remember what happened next or how it happened but somehow Pocket Dog was swimming in the fountain while Mickey was slowly pulling the fresh white tablecloth closer to tipping the fountain over. I waited with great anticipation as the drool dribbled from my lips onto the spotless floor. It was then that my wildest dreams came true! I was standing in front of the long elaborately decorated buffet table covered in lucious, mouth watering chocolate! 

Oops!

       Going Before Judge Foley

As I sat nervously in the big chair facing the Judges highly polished Walnut desk I ran my paw under it where it firmly stuck to something sticky. Oh boy I know what this is but how in the world did Foley Monster manage to bring an earthly belonging with her to the Bridge complete with River Songs chewing gum! I finally decided that since she was in charge she was probably allowed to bring her desk and her sisters gum to keep her close until it was her turn to cross the river of life. Shivers ran up my spine as the big door slammed shut and the tiny little judge appeared in the same comically oversized robe! She sat down with a loud thump expressing her displeasure of me interupting her lunch break. Both paws on the desk she leaned over and looked me in the eyes saying Enzo why didn't you come to me directly to address your dislike for the diet kibble. Wouldn't that have been better than ruining the town hall celebration in which all of you were invited. She paused and waited for my answer. Slightly shaken with embarrassment for my actions I quietly responded yes that would have been better and I am sorry for the mess. I will start cleaning right away. 

Judge Foley slid down in her chair and her face softened as she quietly said thank you Enzo for your honesty and I hope you learned your first lesson in how to be a good angel. I love you and you are doing really well at being a sweet clown! 

As I left the Judges office I whistled a tune and danced with my mop! It felt very good to hear the words "good boy"!