Under The Lily Pad

By Slater Day

The philosophy of power, and weakness through the eyes of woodland creatures. The question is if we are in control of our own lives or are we simply living a controlled illusion for the sake of hungry masters? Is there truly balance? What is the truth of evil, if it be real. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Slater Day
• Release date: Jan 11, 2025
• ISBN: 9798230207542

Book preview

Preface

The cyclical nature of killing is a necessary tool of survival. Over abundance leads to increase in population. Overpopulation leads to a lack of resources. A lack of resources leads to war and death. Killing lowers the population and therefore a lesser need for resources. Bringing balance. What of pain? We regret our violence and in hindsight, wish to take it back. However, knowing of this inevitable pain we face, why do we not take every course to avoid it? To find balance between resource and population.

The opposite of arrogance is guile. We assume that those in power are uncaring or arrogant to the suffering of the common people. In fact, they are all too aware. Simply put, the people are to blame for their own weakness. They subjugate themselves with medication, entertainment and comfort. There are laws about feeding animals in parks. It is to ensure that they don’t become dependent on human charity and maintain their ability to be self-sufficient. People have done this to themselves. They blame the state for their woes when in fact they themselves have chosen to be taken care of by it. Like children.

The majority of people have lost the knowledge or ability to hunt, grow food or make clothing. If the system were to faulter then what would become of them. Sadly, they all know this to be true. They choose to be weak. They blame the invisible power for it and yet that power they blame is barely present in their lives. No one is pulling their strings. Alas, they have strings. The ones they themselves tied to their limbs. They stare at their pocket gods with glowing faces in the dark as they walk the earth without looking up. They are helpless and inevitably going to lose all self-sufficiency. So, I would submit a question as to the value of these people in our modern times. Are they truly worth life for the sake of living? Is it not something we earn through the trials of survival?

I am indifferent to abortion and yet I ponder this.. For thousands of years, our ancestors have had to brave the weather. Survive animal attacks. Hunt for food. All without comfort or technology. Now, after thousands of years and passing along those genes through the centuries, we end it. Eons of struggle, tribulation and surviving just to end it because of a career or because it is inconvenient. This is what we have become. People no longer endure. Perhaps it is for the best. One day, everything will reset. Of this I’m sure. Mankind will be forced to adapt again to the wild. Most will perish.

Who will they blame, I wonder? Who’s fault will it be that people have no idea how to live without the things they rely on for their comforts. Who’s fault will it be that they never cared or learned. I find it hard to care for the gripes of others when they are always quick to avoid labor. Being bored is a gift. In our society, no one is bored. Therefore, they don’t reflect within their own thoughts. They avoid their inner monologue. I would argue that we need to stop avoiding pain. We must learn to suffer, greatly. Endure boredom. Be sober. Absorb all that life gives us that we deem uncomfortable.

Chapter One

A lways the Sunshine

ALL STORIES START WITH a brief description of the weather it seems. As if to set a tone of either wonder, joy or foreboding. With clouds and rain comes sadness or depression. Lightning and dark, emit a sense of terror and horror. So, on the nose. In our story, it is a bright, quiet and beautiful day. Barely a white puffy cloud in the sky. The sweet smell of flowers fills the crisp spring air. All is peaceful and many of the woodland animals are hopping about. Eating, playing and basking in the wonderous world that seemed to have been created just for them.

A huge clear opening in a forest with a pond touching the tree line. About half an acre to a human but to one of our furry friends, a huge open wonderland with clover, grass and herbs to chew upon. Tall oak trees and pines surround the area. Some random blackberry bushes and strawberries growing about from here to there. Truly a beautiful place, even more so from the perspective of a rabbit or squirrel. Even small birds bounce from place to place. Heavenly to its inhabitants.

On this sunny day, we have Bobby and Loretta. Two chipmunks, wildly in love. Loretta, expecting her children to be born soon. Any day in fact. Bobby is as happy as his beloved for their babies to be blessed unto them and into this wonderful place. Both of them, imagining how they will play, frolic and love one another. A big happy family.  

Hello Bobby. Hello Loretta. How are you two feeling today? said a cheerful older gentleman known as Mr. Rabbit.

They responded, as lovers sometimes do, in unison Hello Mr. Rabbit. Followed by a collective giggle in knowing how they sounded. In that adorable way.

Mr. Rabbit smiled big and inquired. I can’t wait for your little addition to our wonderful forest. Your children will be such a welcome blessing.

Both smiling, Bobby replied You’re too kind Mr. Rabbit.

He stopped a moment and inquired further Say, have you any ideas for names?

Loretta looked down, slightly blushing and said A few, but we are still deciding.

Mr. Rabbit nodded. Well, I’m off to eat some delicious clover. You two have a wonderful day.

Again, in unison. Thank you, Mr. Rabbit.

Chapter Two

D on’t Look Up, Just Run

As Bobby and Loretta searched for acorns, Loretta turned to her loving husband. Bobby? What should we name our children? I still can’t think of a single thing.

Hmm, he murmured as he gazed upwards. Well, what about Timothy if it’s a boy and Artimus if it’s a girl?

Loretta smiled softly. I don’t know about Timothy but... oh, I do love Artimus very much.

Well. Bobby said blushing. We have our girl name down. I’ll keep thinking on a boy’s name.

Loretta smiled and nodded.

Far on the other side of the clearing away from their home tree, the two continued to search for nuts and seeds to save in their home for later. Being spring meant their supply was low as winter ended less than a month ago. With plenty of time left until next winter, the search