I often am charmed into remaining in bed after I read the final bedtime book by requests to make up a story or poem. I take pleasure in dressing forms that please me in the trappings of childhood story, as is the custom of fables. Absurdity also comes readily to hand. Tonights’ spin like this:

1) Once there was a turtle, who was freinds with a fish. The fish’s name was kitty, and the turtle’s name was doggie. One day they swam all the way to the other side of the pond, where they met a cat and a dog. Then the dog ate the turtle and the cat ate then fish. The dog’s name was turtle. Guess what the cat’s name was?

Horace!

2) Once, there was a little girl who said, “Dadoo, that story was short, tell me a long story.” So he did, and here’s how it went: ” Once, there was a little girl who said, “Dadoo, that story was short, tell me a long story.” So he did, and here’s how it went: …. (This one seems to have developed an endearing quality, as it results in snuggles, thus reinforcing my retelling.)