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.