Author Archives: Ross Mannell

“Good things come in fives?”

My daughter just now five.

“Five fingers and five toes.”

“Is that all?” she asks.

“Three children, two parent’s love.”

From childhood, Alexandra was destined to care for animals. In time, she joined with friends to buy an animal refuge. Her goal was to have it run by like-minded volunteers.

This is how she met Wendy, the name given a young orphaned wombat. Wendy, so young, didn’t have much of a chance of survival. Most didn’t yet Alexandra was determined and spent many sleepless nights.

“This one will survive,” she said as Wendy snuggled up to her.

As is the goal of rescuing wildlife, the time came to release Wendy. For Alexandra, saying goodbye was harder than she thought. Wendy took one look back and was gone.

The family had gathered, grandfather in a large chair. The chair dominated the small room.

Once strong, grandfather was frail, worn by years of toil and care. He saw his youngest grandson, just three.

“Come to your grandad,” he smiled with his hands held out.

The child approached, eyes bright for one he loved, not able to say granddad, “Gangy.”

Grandad sat his grandson on his lap, “How’s my big man?”

“Good, Gangy” he replied.

Grandad slipped a sweet to the boy, “Don’t tell mummy.”

“Hanks,” replied the grandson with a smile.

Gangy now long gone, the memory remains, the child grown to tell the tale.

Seeking ways to make a difference.

The time of union had passed. The wedding was at the firehouse, the celebration on the village green. There had been partying. Now all was quiet.

Miklik announced, “Kinsfolk, it’s almost time. Rise and await the coming.”

Legend had told of this time. Lady Sky would wed Lord Fire and bring light into the world. This was to be the first morning.

“Look!” shouted a young kinschild.

All eyes turned in the direction of the pointing child. The first light started to show above the distant horizon. Kinsfolk cheered. The union had been successful. Light had fallen on the world. Darkness would no longer reign alone.

Schools and students have permission to use this graphic for non-commercial, educational purposes.

 
Suzie and Steven had always been together. How could it be otherwise, they were twins.
 
“Steven, I’m hungry.”
 
“We’re almost there.”
 
One thing the twins had in common was their lack of interest in moving anywhere quickly. Eventually they arrived where Steven had intended.
 
Suzie’s eyes scanned the scene, “This is great. There’s two peas in a pod, one for each of us.”
 
Each chose a pea and started to enjoy their simple meal, slowly as usual. Neither had seen the approaching danger.
 
Crunch!
 
A booming voice was heard as Steven and his sister died, “I just squashed two more snails in the vegies, dad.”