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Neil Gaiman - Instructions
Topic Started: Oct 11 2009, 08:31 PM (205 Views)
Gwen
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I did not tell half of what I saw, for I knew I would not be believed.
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
It's about what to do if you find yourself inside a fairy tale. And it's called "Instructions."


Quote:
 
Touch the wooden gate in the wall you never saw before.
Say please before you open the latch. Go through.
Walk down the path. A red metal imp hangs from the green-painted front door,
as a knocker. Do not touch it, it will bite your fingers. Walk through the house.
Take nothing, eat nothing. However, if any creature tells you that it hungers, feed it.
If it tells you that it is dirty, clean it, if it cries to you that it hurts, if you can,
ease its pain. From the back garden you will be able to see the wild wood.
The deep well you walk past leads down to winter's realm.
There is another land at the bottom of it. If you turn around here,
you can walk back safely. You will lose no face. I will think no less of you.
Once through the garden you will be in the wood. The trees are old.
Eyes peer from the undergrowth, beneath the twisted oak sits an old woman.
She may ask for something. Give it to her. She will point the way
to the castle, inside it are 3 princesses. Do not trust the youngest. Walk on.
In a clearing beyond the castle the twelve months sit about a fire, warming their feet,
exchanging tales. They may do favors for you, if you are polite.
You may pick strawberries in December's frost. Trust the wolves, but
do not tell them where you are going. The river can be crossed by the ferry,
the ferrymen will take you, and the answer to his question is this:
if he hands the oar to his passenger, he will be free to leave the boat.
Only tell him this from a safe distance. If an eagle gives you a feather keep it safe.
Remember: the giants sleep too soundly, but witches are often betrayed by their appetites,
dragons have one soft spot somewhere, always, hearts can be
well-hidden when you betray them with your tongue.
Do not be jealous of your sister. Know that diamonds and roses are as uncomfortable
when they tumble from one's lips as toads and frogs. Colder too, and sharper,
and they cut. Remember your name. Do not lose hope.
What you seek will be found. Trust ghosts. Trust those that you have helped
to help you in their turn. Trust dreams, trust your heart, and trust your story.
When you come back, return the way you came. Favors will be returned,
debts will be repaid. Do not forget your manners. Do not look back.
Ride the wise eagle, you shall not fall. Ride the silver fish, you will not drown.
Ride the gray wolf, hold tightly to his fur. There is a worm at the heart of the tower,
that is why it will not stand. When you reach the little house,
the place your journey started, you will recognize it although it will seem
much smaller than you remember. Walk up the path, and through the garden gate
you never saw before but once, and then go home, or make a home, or rest.



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