Saturday, December 22, 2007

'The Lion, The Unicorn and Me'

It takes just one year for a tradition to begin. The minute the sun comes around, patterns reassert themselves.

So, in keeping with a tradition that I declare has just begun, and which I will no doubt regret inventing in the years to come, Christmas story!

This time, by Jeanette Winterson. This is from her story, 'The Lion, the Unicorn and Me' published today in The Times:

The angel wrote it down.

Then it was my turn.

“He'll make as ass of himself,” whispered the Lion.

I did. I am. A proper ass. Present position: underdonkey. Previous history: Small underdonkey. Special Strength: Can carry anything anywhere. Weaknesses: not beautiful, not well-bred, not important, not clever, not noticed, not won any prizes...

The Angel wrote it down, and down, and down.

Then the Angel gave us a tie-breaker. Could we say, in one sentence, why we were right for the job?

I love donkeys.

(This is where I should be doing that meme about so many things you didn't know about me. Donkeys are my favourite animals. So now you know.)

Go read.

Last year's story here.
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5 comments:

  1. dipaliSun Dec 23, 09:30:00 AM 2007

    I loved the donkey! One of my favourite Christmas hymns was "Little Donkey".

    Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road
    Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load
    Been a long time, little donkey, through the winters night
    Dont give up now, little donkey,
    Bethlehem's in sight

    Ring out those bells tonight
    Bethlehem, Bethlehem
    Follow that star tonight
    Bethlehem, Bethlehem

    Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day
    Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way
    Little donkey, little donkey, journey's end is near
    There are wise men waiting for a sign to bring them here

    Do not falter little donkey, there's a star ahead
    It will guide you, little donkey, to a cattle shed

    Ring out those bells tonight
    Bethlehem, Bethlehem
    Follow that star tonight
    Bethlehem, Bethlehem

    Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day
    Little donkey, carry Mary, safely on her way
    Little donkey, carry Mary, safely on her way

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  2. Space BarMon Dec 24, 09:30:00 AM 2007

    Dipali: I never knew this one. Wonder what it sounds like!

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  3. dipaliMon Dec 24, 10:15:00 AM 2007

    SB, mail me your number and I'll sing it to you. Actually I'm sure you can google it and hear a u tube version

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  4. Space BarMon Dec 24, 10:18:00 AM 2007

    Dipali: I shall certainly try. But if we''re talking carols, my favourite one is here.

    Enjoy. I think.

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  5. dipaliTue Dec 25, 09:17:00 AM 2007

    It's beautiful- and so tragic.
    Thank you- I'd never heard this before.

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