Folksburywoods Story Blog

William stood eating his breakfast along the hedgerow when an odd-looking fellow came and sat down on a nearby bench.

The goat continued munching away, thinking nothing of the encounter until the man said, “Let me tell you something, mister goat. I have traveled and never been asked what I thought of the world today.”

William looked up from his grass and stared at the man who continued his monologue. “I have seen things you wouldn’t believe why I saw a monk on fire during the ’60s. I’ve seen seabirds covered in oil off the coast of Alaska. All these moments will be lost like raindrops in the sea, and no one will care,” said the man.

William wondered why this man was telling him all these things. After all, he was just a goat, and what could he do? William snorted and shook his head to indicate he agreed with the man about anyone caring.

“I see you are a goat of great intelligence. Well, my friend, hear me when I say the future is dark and man is doomed. There isn’t a thing we can do. Take my advice, enjoy the grass while you can, and tell folks old Bill Matthews told you so when it’s gone,” continued the man.

William snorted and then let out a loud bleat to let the stranger know he was heard.

The man stood, tipped his hat, and went on his way. William watched until he was out of sight and then returned to eating.

After a bit, the goat sat down and thought about the man. “Best not to worry about such things. Not my circus, not my monkeys,” thought the goat, who dozed off to dream of large hay fields and no humans to bother him.