Read Online Elephant Talks to God by Dale Estey - Free Book Online Page B

exasperated. “Helping other elephants. Even foraging food for them. All the things which I remember she did for us.”
    â€œLiving her life?” asked God.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œA fulfilling life?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œThe life she wanted?” asked God.
    â€œYes, I suppose. All those things.”
    â€œThen why are you troubled?”
    â€œBecause I wasn’t grateful enough.” The elephant snorted, and his voice rose. “Because I didn’t pay her enough attention. When I saw her in the herd, I didn’t go over and give her my greetings.”
    â€œShe probably wouldn’t have found time for you.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œShe was too busy,” said God. “Living.”
    The cloud began to move away and the stars became clearer.
    â€œBut I —”
    â€œRemember her,” said God. “And learn from her. Accept her gifts, even those as yet unopened. But slough off that guilt of yours just as she did her body. It is fair to neither of you.”
    â€œI’ll do my best,” said the elephant.
    â€œShe says,” the cloud actually laughed, “‘that sounds familiar.’”

No Dynasty
    The elephant was on his way to the special clearing. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, and his haste was evident as he waded through the jungle.
    The other animals were wary of his travels at the best of times, so acted cautiously until he was well past. However, during these instances of more unfocused haste, they made themselves scarce as soon as the first tremors of his movements reached their sensitive feet.
    And they made certain that it was only the distant echo of his passage which they felt before they returned to their regular routines.
    As usual, the elephant was oblivious to all the consternation he created as he rushed forward with his single intent. At such times, the jungle became a green blur as he raced past, and the warning cries of the other animals were just a jumble in his huge ears.
    He had trouble keeping on the established path and kicked out at any root or stump which impeded him. It was only as he approached the clearing that he slowed to a semblance of his regular gait. He wanted to catchhis breath so he would not be panting and incoherent when he reached his destination.
    He even wondered if his appearance might not be important this time; so he spent several moments with his trunk addressing his toilette before he entered the clearing.
    A cloud eased out of the eastern corner and descended to meet him.
    â€œHi,” said the elephant.
    â€œI have noted,” said God, “that the supplications of my other creatures increase tenfold during the span of one of your hasty progressions.”
    â€œAh.” The elephant felt a slight loss of his enthusiasm. “Sorry.”
    â€œAnd that some of the comments surrounding my name would be frowned upon in more genteel society.”
    â€œThey can be a disrespectful lot,” agreed the elephant.
    â€œSo. Although your personal hygiene does not do much to redress the situation, the thought is appreciated.” The cloud came very low over the elephant’s back and touched him between the shoulders. “You missed a spot.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œNow.” The cloud returned to the elephant’s line of vision. “What can be done for you today?”
    â€œYou know I have a couple of kids?”
    â€œYes,” said the cloud. “One of each.” There was a slight pause. “Your son is twice as old as your daughter. Both are healthy and vigourous.”
    â€œYes.” The elephant nodded his head.
    â€œAnd they’re not far from going out on their own.”
    â€œYes.” The elephant sounded rueful. “The girl has already foraged by herself a couple of times.”
    â€œGood.” The cloud paused again. “So what do you want to —”
    â€œCan they meet you?” The elephant’s words