Talking to the Bush

By Jim Athanas

Lost within a dream, the hero gets entangled in another universe. Following some short of an adventure involving a giant snake chasing menacingly the hero's boat, a new world is created. A new earth which is completely covered with lava and only one column of soil mass exists. On the surface of this ground, the hero stands alone, reminiscing and discussing with a bush that's right outside his house. He talks and analyzes and hopes for something to change the current situation. All these take place while the column of earth that they inhabit is slowly drawn deeper inside the lava, piece by piece.

This is a short story with a lot of adventure and a little bit of philosophy. It centres around hope, believing in one's self, happiness, guilt, a little bit of theology and ultimately focuses on the meaning of life. Unlike the bush from the Bible, the one of the story doesn't burn. So it's easy to understand that there is plenty of symbolism in every paragraph.

 

Lost in a dream, our hero becomes entangled in another universe. After narrowly escaping a giant snake that menaces his boat, he finds himself in a new world - a scorched earth completely covered with lava, with only a single column of soil remaining. Standing alone on this small patch of land, he reflects on his situation, discussing his hopes and fears with a bush outside his house. As the column of earth is gradually drawn deeper into the lava, he struggles to find meaning in his new reality.

 

This short story is a thrilling adventure filled with thought-provoking themes of hope, self-belief, guilt, and the meaning of life. It offers a unique take on theology, with symbolism woven into every paragraph. As you delve deeper into the story, you'll be swept away by its philosophy and taken on a journey of self-discovery. You'll be left with plenty of food for thought, empowering the engine of your critical thinking about the events of everyday life.

 

The story explores the question of what really matters in life, and whether our soul-searching can ever truly lead to a solution. Death comes to every alternate universe, and none of us knows when it will come for us. But if we did, would it change us? Would it help us find the answers we seek?

 

This short story has been awarded at the Magic Pen Writing Contest in Greek and is translated in English by the author. Don't miss out on the chance to experience this captivating tale for yourself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jim Athanas
• Release date: Jan 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223058168

Jim Athanas

I'm a neurophysiotherapist and I work in my own private practice in Greece after doing my MSc at Keele University, UK. My passions are: writing and playing songs on my piano/guitar/ukulele, reading books and watching documentaries/TV Series. I have published the series: ''The Crown of Palrad'' as well as the short stories "The pole" and "Talking to the bush". You can find me at @JimAthanas on youtube and you can, also, check my blog https://jimathanas.blogspot.com/ for more info on new releases!!!

Book preview

It’s been days since everyday life stopped being normal. I'm trying to adapt – I'm really trying. I'm not saying it for the sake of it, but I can't seem to manage. To stand alone on this lump of dirt and talk to a burning bush on my planet, Earth. I’m on an elevated, light solid mass of even ground, supported by a thick column of soil which, moving towards the centre, becomes rocky and keeps changing colours. All around me, lava covers the entire globe.

Basically, I'm not sure if it can still be called a globe now that all there is around is lava. I suppose someone could suggest the name lavogaia. Yeah, that sounds good to me. So, in summary, everyone who agrees with this name to be used at the international level, say Yay! – Yay! I shout into