A Good Day

"Today will be a good day." He says it deliberately.

He needs the wood; it is growing cold.

There is a choice of axes; the forest is right outside. He needs everything it offers: kindling, logs, bark, twigs... every tree is useful, and he will need many trees.

Nothing could be easier.

Out he goes, axe in hand, to the nearest tree; the first swing is exhilarating, satisfying.

Today will be a good day!

The second swing takes longer, as he sees the second tree - that bark will be better for making shingles, perhaps it's better to get it first. On the way, he realizes that the third tree's branches and twigs will make better kindling, and without kindling, the logs would be of no use. That tree first!

But wait, don't the twigs on that fourth tree look better? Not just for kindling, but also to fix the broom? Start with that!

Is a broom important now, should he not get the proper logs first after all? It is getting colder, dirt can wait. Will it be the tree with the good bark, or the one with the first cut already made? Either will take time, and there will still be no fire without kindling. The branches on the third might serve for both?

No. No, they wouldn't burn long enough, not all night.

So many trees.

Nothing should be easier.

As night falls, there are no logs, there is no kindling; neither brooms nor shingles.

"Tomorrow will be a good day." He says it deliberately.