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Animal Action
by
Marlicia Fernandez
They said it couldn’t happen—it did. They said it was only a story—they lied.
The truth must come out or mankind will be subjugated. They are at it
again. The animals are organizing. I tell you they are dangerous. Listen to me!
They lost once before; they do not intend to do so again. Differences have been
put aside and they are working together toward a common goal. It is truly
frightening.
Clever and intelligent, they have taken pains to ensure their activities will
not be discovered. They are marvelous actors, every one of them. When people are
about cows behave as cows, pigs as pigs, dogs as dogs, and so on. They want to
lull us into a false sense of security. Do not allow yourself to become
complacent. They are counting on what they see as our human arrogance to bring
us down.
Meetings are held while we sleep. I know because I chanced upon one and stayed
until it ended. Of course they did not know I was there… I don’t know what would
have happened if I had been discovered.
They were seated in a circle and each one of them had a well- worn copy of a
book. These books were treated with great respect and appeared to contain the
blueprints to the success of their goals. The book was “Animal Farm”.
I could not understand what they were discussing, or what conclusions they were
reaching. They did not speak in our language, but in rather in some sort of
hybrid animalese which all present understood. Although I did not understand the
conversation, I could understand what they had written, and it confirmed my
worst fears. The animals are out to get us. They are tired of the way they are
being treated and want to turn the tables on us.
Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true. Do you think I would make such a
thing up? Yes, I am saying the animals can communicate, read and write. You want
proof. I will show you proof. I found these notes hidden between my garbage cans
and the garage. My cat put them there. You can see for yourself that it details
subversive activities. They want to start with transportation and financial
institutions. What more proof do you need?
Hey! Get your hands off me! What are you doing? Where are you taking me? I know
this is hard to believe, but I tell you I did not write these notes. I am no
subversive. Would I come to you if I were a part of this? Let me prove to you
that I did not write this. I’ll write something and you can compare my script to
the handwriting sample I gave you. May I have a pen?
Thank you.
What shall I write? The first paragraph? Ok. You will see my handwriting does
not match with that on the notepaper. Let’s see what does it say… “We, the
assembled animals, agree that humankind must be taught a lesson. They are
arrogant, cruel, and lazy. They make us do all the work and take all that we
produce, leaving us only what is not fit to sell or consume. It is time for us
to take a stand. We must unite and overthrow the unjust rule of humankind. We
will no longer be the slave but the master”
Here it is, the first paragraph. See, my writing is nothing like…
Wait a minute! I’m not asking you to take my word for it. Let an expert see it.
Where are you taking me? Am I being charged with something? Do I need a lawyer?
I came here as a concerned citizen and now I am being treated like a common
criminal. I want to know what I am being charged with. What do you mean treason?
I can’t believe this! I want to see a lawyer! I have a right to an attorney! Let
me out of here! Guard! … Guard! I want to make a phone call. Guard! Guar…
Oh, there you are. I want to make a phone call. What do you mean my lawyer wants
to see me? I don’t have a lawyer yet.
One has been provided for me? Where is he, in here? Ok, I’m going…
Wait a minute…Guard! Come back! This can’t be my lawyer. I won’t stand a chance
in a courtroom with him. I don’t think he’s convinced of my innocence, and even
if he is, how do I know he’ll do his best to defend me? I am not sure he will.
What do you mean, ‘why do I say that?’ Can’t you see? He’s an animal.
© Marlicia Fernandez 5/27/01 Rev. 2/19/06
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