Looking for Whispering Grass

Dorothy’s house must be quite old. If there were ghosts here I would have known about it by now, but things make noises when nobody’s there. I suppose that’s what happens when we get old.

It must have been because I was tired, but last night when I went up the stairs I thought I had come out at the same place as where I started. So I went to go up the stairs again but the stairs weren’t there. All rather confusing. But for some strange reason it made me feel happy.

This morning I went into the room where Dorothy has her computer and climbed up to where she sits when she’s looking at it, but nothing was there. I asked Walter about this but he pretended he didn’t know what I was talking about. Next time I saw him he looked as though he had seen a ghost. No one else noticed so I let it pass.

Dorset is so strange. Very few cars come down the street and there is a little bridge I remember hearing when we drove over it on our way here. Jenny said it the bridge was very old and very small. So this afternoon I went down to look at it for myself. I expected there to be water under it but nothing was there, just a sort of hole with more grass growing in it. I didn’t go down here.

I expect Jenny will have told Dorothy all about the things that have been happening lately. They talk a lot together but I only catch the odd word or two and anyhow I’m not really interested in what they say. Dorothy still talks to Waler and me as though we are little human babies and I know how Jenny must feel about that, but she doesn’t let it show. They are sisters after all.

Today while I was wandering around outside, I realised I was looking for my mother. I think Walter gave up looking a long time ago. But I will probably keep looking. I’m only here for a few days and you never know.

I even thought I saw her upstairs in the house this morning; not a ghost of her but really her. Of course it couldn’t have been her but my heart went fast for a little while and I even thought I heard myself say her name, Whispering Grass. But it can’t have been me, I wouldn’t have made a mistake like that.

Leaving London

We left London yesterday in the afternoon when everyone was inside watching television. I was in my new travel box and Jenny drove the car. Jenny put my box on the seat beside her so I could see her through the little holes and somehow she put the safety belt around the box so that it didn’t wobble too much.

I must have fallen asleep. I was listening to Jenny talking and the car and the music she plays while she’s driving. Now and then I opened my eyes but I couldn’t keep them open for long. Sometimes the sun came in through the holes and I saw colours I don’t usually see. I think that’s what started me dreaming.

We stopped a few times and Jenny put a collar and lead on me and let me walk in the grass for a bit and gave me some water from her bottle poured into a plastic saucer she had brought along for me. I didn’t feel like walking and wanted to lie down all the time. I remember wondering how Jenny can think of so many things.

When we got to Dorset and Jenny told me we’re almost there I could smell the trees. It had been very hot in the car and the trees moved as we passed.

I heard Dorothy’s voice as she lifted me out of my travel box. I must have gone to sleep again.

In the Shadow of the Moon

Last night I went outside when it was very late.
I moved through the grass like a shadow.

Sometimes the shadow was before me,
sometimes beside me,
sometimes the shadow followed me like a ghost.

If I pretend to be asleep I can see myself
as though there were two of me.

If I pretend to be awake, the two of me stand very still
and try not to be seen.

Evidence for the Existence of the Cow

In order to see a cow you need first to be familiar with what a cow might look like. Seems logical to me. Just because someone says, “That’s a cow”, it doesn’t mean they know what they’re talking about. They might not have seen a cow before either.

And someone might have been having a laugh by showing them a picture of a giraffe.

So I have done my own research and this is what I have discovered in terms of evidence for the existence of the cow. Just three photographs but, I think you’ll agree, compelling nonetheless.

Exhibit 1

These Dorset ladies are trying to lure a cow out of her cave with freshly baked loaves of bread. But she is shy and isn’t falling for it.

This could explain why there are almost no footprints or photographs of the cow.

Exhibit 2

This is a photograph of two Dorset gentlemen re-enacting the capture of a cow. The one on top claims to have ridden on the back of the cow. But it is said that he was thrown off into a bush and has only spoken gibberish since.

Exhibit 3

At first I thought this might be the captured ear of a cow, but Jenny assures me it is only a leaf.

You be the judge.

The Fright of My Life

You can guess what happened when I pushed back the lid of my picture box last night. I must have jumped back a foot or more.

Expecting to spend the evening looking through my pictures in search of that mythological beast the cow, suddenly right before me was what seemed to be a boxful of the strangest creatures I have ever seen.

Of course it was Jenny’s old picture of the Dorset grass, but how was I to know? Sitting right there on top of all my pictures were some of the ugliest and nastiest looking insects I’ve ever seen. And so real, I actually took a swipe at the big one! Thankfully no one was watching.

To show you it’s not just me, here’s a picture of someone who’s just seen a big ugly insect standing on its hind legs and looking him straight in the face.

Anyhow, it’s all out now; and I’m not ashamed to admit that I got the fright of my life.

Look at the strange thing. Jenny, you should be ashamed!

But I still haven’t found that picture of a cow. I hope I’m not in for an even bigger surprise.

Mother's Darling Boy

Back again; and thank you Jenny for showing everyone that photo of me looking like a ghost cat appearing at the window. It’s one of my favourites. And I slept through it all.  'Behind the Veil', indeed! Actually I was behind the sofa.

In fact it might be nice to see it again...

Although, on closer inspection, do you see something, or is it just me?

As if I haven’t got enough on my plate at the moment without seeing strange things in the leaves.

But Jenny, did you really think I wouldn’t hear about your plans? There are people reading this, you know. Going to visit Dorothy, that's one thing, but I don’t remember you ever mentioning cows before.  What's more, I’m not sure this is a good time for me to be away.

And haven’t you forgotten someone? What about Walter, my brother, Walter Whispering Grass - remember him? It will be lovely to see Walter again but goodness knows what bad habits he’s picked up since moving to the country. You know how Dorothy used to like a cigarette or two.

So for old times sake here’s a picture of Walter in his early years. Let’s just hope Dorothy doesn’t show it to him until after we’re back home! He’s probably forgotten it even exists.

Anyhow, I’ve got lots of work to do before we leave. There isn’t much time and all the pieces of all the puzzles are somehow starting to fit together at last.

First though, I must have a good search in my box, there’s sure to be a picture of a cow in there.  Always good to familiarize yourself with the enemy in advance!

Whisper Goes Behind the Veil

Hi, this is Jenny here. Whisper is having a little lie down today. I’m sure you’ll understand.

What with all the excitement about time machines, alien invasions, vanishing ladies, and now flying cities, Whisper hasn’t even been beyond the back garden lately, and you know how she likes to explore.

In fact I have a picture here of Whisper outside exploring the other side of the curtain. Now as far as I’m concerned life can keep the curtains drawn; there are probably things there that no one was meant to see. No one, that is, except our Whisper!

By the way, next weekend I’m going to visit my sister Dorothy in Dorset and Whisper is coming with me. It’s meant to be a surprise, so not a word about it. It’s just what she needs and I know she’ll have a wonderful time. There’ll certainly be plenty of exploring for her to do. But just what she’ll make of the cows is anyone’s guess. I don’t think she’s even got a picture of one in her collection.

Speaking of which… Here’s an old picture of a place very much like the one we’ll be visiting. I think I’ll slip it into Whisper’s picture box and let her find it for herself. I’m sure she’ll be excited.

How It All Went Badly Wrong

A nice picture to take our minds off the bewildering events of the present times.

There have of late been so many unforeseen interruptions and unheralded occurrences that we are in danger of losing our way in the labyrinth of strangeness now known to us as the saga of the still-unfolding alien invasion.

We are in fact inclined to exclaim with our dear friend Alice (don’t ask which one), Where am I? What’s going on?

So a brief (as if it were now even possible) recap.

Evidently triggered by the volcanic apparitions of a few months ago and under cover of all the sulphurous smoke and sparks, strange flying vehicles were sighted at conspicuously low altitudes apparently taking an interest in our sculpture parks and abandoned playing fields.

If only we had realised at the time that they were just looking for temporary landing places in order to escape the smoke and fumes all might have turned out well. But, no. The traditional British extended breakfast and a cleverly disguised esoteric skilfulness in the use of irony ruled the day.

So what else could the visitors do but land en mass all higgledy-piggledy and immediately fill their newly-acquired caravans and bungalows with the latest Tesco technological wizardry. We heard of choirs of smoke alarms sirening into the early hours and causing unease among the lovely dawn choruses. Garden sheds were seen being hammered together from bicycle wheels and outward-facing 42” plasma screens. What a racket!

Then suddenly it all went badly wrong. And you know the rest.

Actually, looking at the picture again, something now seems transparently obvious. The mother is pointing out to her little boy what appears to be a giant and elaborately designed interplanetary vehicle, half hidden by billowing emissions, in the process of lifting off from the Earth.

A vision of the future for her child to remember? Who knows? But from all the signs laid before us, this can only be what has been described as a “Mother Ship”. And what’s more, doesn’t it strike you as bearing a remarkable resemblance to popular postcard views of a certain city… London?

Another old photograph from my collection might throw even further light on the mystery.

A typical view of London taken in such a far ago age that no one now living remembers a thing about it.  Visible here is not just one but two giant vehicles that certainly seem to have attracted the attention of the local populous.

Which all leads to the inescapable conclusion that not only has preparation been long underway but that London itself is a massive Mothership which, all evidence suggests, is now on the verge of taking off for who knows where. After all, wasn’t it the moon that was once rumoured to be the destination of Britain?

No wonder so many visitors are coming on board at the last minute.

One dare not even think about the fate of anyone left behind.

The Lady on the Secret Stairway

Secret Stairway to the Underground Koil Chamber

Supposedly only members of the inner Tokyo Time Circle have access to the secret underground Power Koil Chamber; but seen here, travelling on the rapid transportation stairway is what can only be described as an “Entity”.

Obviously unauthorised and feigning a British sense of decorum, this being has, as you can see, been detected by the security system’s clever electronic pointer.

It is evident from the alarm on the lady’s face that something highly irregular is taking place.

Apparently she did not report the incident to the authorities. Was she in on it from the start?  Was she silenced with a bribe? Had she been offered a free sideways look at what her preposterous future held in store?

Perhaps we shall never know, for these are the last known surveillance pictures in which the lady makes a fleeting appearance.

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Surely you mean "prosperous", not "preposterous"?

                                                                                           - Jenny

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No

                      - Whisper    

Tokyo Time Machine Scandal

Inaugural lecture in the newly restored and resuscitated Tokyo Time Machine. With members of the press in attendance.

Since we have been occupied with other important matters lately, we almost missed the news that the reconstruction of the Time Machine had been accomplished. The problem was that in a cynical bid to cash in on the project the device had been turned into a bizarre entertainment for the well-heeled and their hangers-on. A few palm trees and some parrots and they’d have had it made... if it were not for just one thing.

During the festivities and distractions a certain uninvited guest was glimpsed lurking behind one of the pillars.

This unidentified entity had obviously taken advantage of the lax security and, what with the flickering half-light and the highly-charged atmosphere, the intruder could easily have slipped through the curtains and gained access to the secret underground Koil Chamber.

If this technology gets into the wrong hands and all the planets in the world are accidentally transported backwards, forwards and sideways in time simultaneously, then we only have ourselves to blame.

Or even more alarming: Purposely!

A photograph of something that did not happen purposely.

Whisper's Dream Quest 1

I can still hear the bird singing and playing his wind violin. I know it was only a dream but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t real.

When I’m at the window looking out and then I look inside at things that are very close – that’s a bit like dreaming. Dreaming without being asleep. Everything is very close. So this morning I decided to look for the bird. I was sure I could go there without having to be asleep again.

The rain stopped and I went into the garden. The grass was wet and the sun kept going in and coming out. I was thinking about this when somewhere a dog barked. It sounded like a very small dog and then it stopped. So I didn’t think any more about that.

When I reached the long grass I saw a lot of small flowers which I hadn’t seen there before. They had already grown very high.

As I walked between the flowers I tried not to step on the ground that was making them grow and for a moment I thought I couldn’t feel the ground. It was just a little slope but I couldn’t remember it being there before.

For some reason I thought of the first time I tried to leap up onto the table where Jenny was drawing. As I crouched ready to jump Jenny saw me and before I could move she had picked me up and put me down right on the big sheet of paper and the first thing I did was try to touch the pencils and they kept rolling away from me. I think it was the first time I saw one of her magic pictures.

The grass got longer and more tangled but there were ways through and I chose the one that was covered like a tunnel.

The tunnel seemed to go on forever and I thought about turning around and going back but then I came to a gate. The gate didn’t look as though it was meant to open but it would be easy for me just to walk straight through. So first I stood there in order to know where I was and what was going on.

Some grass touched my nose and it tickled and I nearly sneezed, so I chewed a little bit of grass. I still had the taste of the grass in my mouth when, all of a sudden, something moved up ahead. I went through the gate as silently as possible and the movement stopped. My first thought was that it must be the little bird. I kept going. And then I saw its eyes looking straight through the grass at me.

We both stayed very still and looked at each other. It certainly wasn’t the bird unless this is what the bird changes into when I’m not asleep.

Then the creature was off and I’m glad I didn’t follow because at that very moment the little dog appeared, sniffing around where the creature had been. The dog then must have told the “visitor” on the other end of the leash it’s time to go.

I realised I had come this far only once before. That time I went right to the edge of water before I realised it was there. So I would have to be extra careful if I was going to find my way back.

Jenny might be making a picture and not even know I was gone.

to be continued...

The Bird in the Dream

Two nights ago I had a dream that was silent right up until the last moments.

We were inside and it was raining. Raining inside. Wherever the rain fell puffs of smoke came up from the floor.

We went into another room to get out of the rain and it was raining in there too. So we ran outside and there right in front of us was a tiny bird and we could hear everything. It wasn’t raining outside.

As soon as the bird saw us he began singing and playing an accordion.  The accordion sounded like a violin being played by the wind and when the bird sang it was like a human voice, only very small. There were words but I don’t know what they were, although at the time the song made perfect sense.

I woke while the bird was still singing.

Jenny has been helping me put the pieces together to make a picture. But as we were making it, I realised that there was also someone else. There was me, Jenny (who I couldn't see), the bird, and someone else.

Also I knew we had to make the picture outside in the garden where it really happened.  That's why it has taken so long; we've had a lot of rain since then.

I’m fairly certain the dream had something to do with the fire next door. And maybe Jenny was playing her violin upstairs while I was asleep. I must remember to ask.

But as for the other person… there is a boy in the picture with his back to us listening to the bird.

Birds Hate Barbecues

This afternoon the people next door set fire to their little barbecue.

I was in there hiding in the grass when they wheeled it out and I must say it smelt rather good, even though they hadn’t used it since last summer.

Then something very strange happened.

Mr. Willow (that’s what I call him because they’ve got a willow tree in the back garden) lit the fire and went back into the house. There was a lot of smoke and the birds flew out of the tree. I stayed in the grass and was starting to enjoy this.

Then I heard Mrs. Willow shout and they both ran out of the house and threw water into the smoke. That didn’t help and the little barbecue fell over and the smoke fell on the ground.

Mrs. Willow tried to take the dead meat out of the smoke with a very long fork and suddenly her plastic apron caught fire.

She threw the apron on the ground and started stamping on it. It didn’t smell good so I came back home.

Jenny was at the window. She had been watching all the time. She said the birds hate barbecues.

It is proving to be an interesting day.

Ghost Hole Swallows the World

We will return to the unfolding mystery of The Forbidden Forest. But a question has been received from “Robert” which he feels might touch upon all our lives in the near future.

Robert has seen two recent headlines that must, according to him, have a direct bearing upon each other as they appeared on the same day and on the same page.

“A huge sinkhole in the city of G... crashed into being on Sunday, reportedly swallowing a three-story building.
Giant Sinkhole could get even bigger.”

“Ghostly ‘comets’ have been found circling a supermassive expanding Black Hole.”

If the sinkhole suddenly expands and swallows the world, I don’t think we’ll have time even to think about it. I’m sure you can continue to go out the front door or even the back door without worrying about falling in.

There might, though, be a cause for concern that perhaps you haven’t even thought of yet…

Sometimes I like to go into the kitchen and get up onto the edge of the sink and reach down with my nose towards that strange hole. Sometimes I hear things down in there but usually it doesn’t frighten me. Then one day while I was carefully reaching towards the hole, suddenly a large spider came out!

For a moment neither of us moved, then she ran backwards down the hole and I didn’t go back into the kitchen until Jenny was home again.

Robert, let’s hope the folks of that poor city don’t lose any more streets and bicycles down the sink. Maybe they could do what Jenny does and turn all the taps on to wash away whatever is down there stirring things up. Then at least it won’t smell too bad. And don’t worry about the ghosts cycling around the edge, they can look after themselves.

Actually, I’d be more worried about accidentally stepping on one of the little ants that are running around all over the place this time of year.

Into the Forbidden Forest

Another British lady and her daughter who fearlessly ventured into The Forbidden Forest.

Notice they are being followed at a distance by two “visitors” on a bicycle.  Hopefully, they will return safely home none the wiser to the eyes that were upon them.

Perhaps the council should erect “No Cycling” signs along the path.

However, let's take a closer look at the so-called “British lady".

Where will it all end?

Upon even closer inspection we can see that one of the cyclists has dismounted and is rapidly approaching...

Like I said, you’d never catch me in a place like that!

Beyond the Gate

Here we see a typically fearless British lady, standing at the gate, backpack full, and ready for a pleasant afternoon watching the skies. Her dress is practical and her shoes are sturdy. She's sure to have packed a thermos flask and a folding umbrella.

If a Chariot were to land in the field, she would no doubt get out the paper plates and offer the occupants a place beside her on the picnic rug.

Let’s just hope the visitors have stopped claiming to be Cosmic Lords of the Universe. Those guys were always saying things like that.

But beyond the gate, nothing is what it seems.

Just because they are now as likely to emerge from the trees on bicycles as they are to descend in chariots from the stars, doesn’t mean things have changed.

Personally, I wouldn’t go anywhere near that forest.