Pigs in Paradise: A Fairy Story Most Absurd

By Roger Maxson

When Blaise gives birth to Lizzy, the “red calf” on an Israeli farm, the masses flock en masse to witness the miracle birth that will usher the end of the world and the return or arrival of the Messiah, depending on which camp, Christian or Jew. When the promise of the end comes to an end, and the red calf becomes blemished, no longer worthy of blood-letting sacrifice, the faithful the world over are crestfallen. By this time, two evangelical ministers, as representatives of a megachurch in America, have arrived. They strike a deal with the Israeli moshavnik, and the Israeli farm animals are coming to America.

Meanwhile, a pope arrives to absolve the Jews. Boris, a Berkshire boar and animal Messiah, is served at the last supper, and the pope sings karaoke with the local rabbi. Not to be outdone, the Protestant ministers hold a nativity scene, and Mel, the mule, becomes Pope Magnificant, resplendent with white linen cossack and pectoral cross.

Once in America, the animals are transported across the country to Wichita, Kansas, in time for a Passion-Play parade before arriving at their final destination, a Christian farm. Seven television monitors, tuned to 24/7 church sermons, are juxtaposed with scenes from a barn, a real circus. After a while, and no longer able to take anymore, they chase Mel from the barn. And Stanley, Manly Stanley, the black Belgian stallion of legend (wink, wink), kicks out the TV monitors for a moment of silence, giving peace a chance if only for a short time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Aug 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781737653028