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How To Be A Rustic Simpleton

Joseph Tom Riach – Author of successful living books and mystery novels, vivid views of life and business”How To Be A Rustic Simpleton” is the 4th in my 2022 series of articles based on my real life experiences, professional insights, personal views and fun stories. My hope is that in them you find joy and inspiration.

HOW TO BE A RUSTIC SIMPLETON 
by Joseph Tom Riach

     Miss Andrews had long given up on her ambition to be a successful author. Instead she turned her not inconsiderable talent to nurturing the creative skills of the young. As a primary school teacher she excelled. Now she stood before her class of ten year old boys and posed the time-worn, but always popular, question,

    “What would you like to be when you grow up?”

    Her request was met with the customary barrage of shrill responses and raised hands clamouring for attention. She waited for the initial hubbub and animated excitement to subside before quietly asserting,

    “I'll have your answers one by one. I'll start at the front.”

    In a relatively orderly manner, and with only occasional interruptions, she proceeded to address each pupil individually, receiving the familiar medley of answers which her years of experience had taught her to expect. Airline pilot, pop star, doctor, footballer, engineer, adventurer, racing driver, policeman and vet – they were all there.

    At the back of the class and last in line to be qizzed was an introvert, mischievous but bright lad, very much the incorrigible rascal. Miss Andrews, in spite of misgivings, rather liked him.

    Turning to the boy, “And you Tommy,” she asked, “What would you like to be?”

    Tommy looked up thoughtfully, a glint in his eye. The answer was slow and sure.

    “I'd like to be a rustic simpleton, Miss.”

    That brought the house down, the classroom erupted in laughter. Miss Andrews, restraining her own urge to giggle, motioned for calm. Eventually peace returned.

    “A rustic simpleton Tommy,” she played up to him, “And whatever might that be?”

    “Well Miss,” replied Tommy, obviously prepared and enthusiastic, “I'd like to live in the wild, hike in the mountains, swim in the sea, roam in the forests and … well … just have a nice time.”

    Miss Andrews was slightly taken aback and not a little impressed. The class less so, laughter continued to abound. Miss Andrews' stern gaze subdued it.

    “But what will you live on Tommy?” she continued, more softly.

    “I'll grow my own apple tree Miss, fish in the river and raise chickens,” said Tommy.

    “But what will you do for money Tommy? Have you thought about that?”

    “That's easy Miss,” retorted Tommy quickly, “I'll write.”

    There was another pause and more, but now decidely less incredulous, sniggering in the room. Miss Andrews took time for all to compose themselves, before continuing.

    “So you'll write? What about Tommy? What will you write?”

    Tommy smiled wickedly. He paused to give full impact to his sucker punch to follow. Then, quite deliberately spelled it out.

    “I'll write about ... airline pilots, pop stars, doctors, footballers, engineers, adventurers, racing drivers, policemen and vets!”

    Through the riotous tumult that followed, Miss Andrews made her way back to her desk at the front. She allowed herself the merest of inward smiles.

    “Yes, he's the one,” she whispered to herself, “Oh yes!”

    Many years later, Miss Andrews, now enjoying the easier pace of retirement, drove hesitantly through the forest and up the rutted mountain track in the lack-lustre light of a late autumn afternoon. Her slightly tousled host for the weekend ran excitedly from the old farmhouse to greet her. In his hand he brandished a large book with a colourful cover.

    “It's my latest novel,” the famous writer gasped breathlessly before even saying hello. “I've autographed it just for you,” and thrust it into her hand.

    “Let me see,” said Miss Andrews, “What have we here?”

    She turned the book over and read the title - “How To Be A Rustic Simpleton!”

    They laughed heartily, embraced. Then Tommy took the arm of his long time friend and mentor and led her in to savour the rustic charm of his humble home.

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal. 

Read any of my best-selling books and novels by clicking on the image below.

Joseph Tom Riach, Author – Paperbacks and Ebooks for sale on Amazon

HOW TO BE A RUSTIC SIMPLETON  is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this short article and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.

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Comments

    • Top Commentor

      Tom, it's so true that finding "one's true vocation is a reward in itself".  I look at some young people who've gone on the wrong track and ended up behind bars.  Once there with time to think and develop their talents, you find artists, writers, attorneys even doctors.  But because of the mindset they had, they didn't develop the talents within themselves to achieve the life they desired.  Instead, they turned to crime thinking the easy way out and discovered their gifts too late. I appreciate your compliment on expressing my analysis.  Others can see things in you that you may not see in yourself.  And it's those types of compliments that really make you feel good. 

       

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