Thought for Food

Blake, Charley and George were all born on the same day in different, but adjacent, lands.  While still very young they met for the first time at the border, where their three countries converged.  Although they each had friends and playmates amongst their own people, some affinity drew them together, and they soon became constant companions.

Prevented, by the fences, from the play and frolic, of which the young are so enamored, they turned to higher pursuits.  Each day they gathered and pondered philosophy, history and science and debated the meaning of life.  They shared their hopes and dreams, and their fears and made the grandest of plans.  One day, they three, vowed to lead their respective peoples to rise up and tear down the fences.  They would join together and usher in a golden age.  Such are the flights of youth.

As they grew, the differences between each became more pronounced.  Blake, the smallest of the group was quick witted and nimble.  Although he was of only average size, he was very fine to look upon.  Combined with his cheerful disposition, the others knew this would take him far in life.

Before they were half-grown, George dwarfed the other two and his strength seemed without limit.  Even though his intellect was no match for Charlie or Blake, his commanding presence caused the others to defer to him in all matters.

Charley's mind was something spectacular.  Always quick to grasp new ideas, he relentlessly studied to increase his knowledge of all things.  His discussions often left the others bewildered and in awe of the truly spectacular intellect he possessed.  Nearly as large as George, his idle nature and rich diet gave him a well padded physique.

One day, when to the time when a child's body begins the change, signalling the beginning of adulthood, they gathered at the fence, as was their habit.  The easily excitable Blake spoke first.  "I have some big news.  It is very exciting, but I'm a little nervous about it."  "What" George asked, "is it?"  "My mother told me that I've been chosen, it means I will have to move away, but soon I will become a steer.  It sounds very important."  "That's great, and I just know you will be a great steer", George congratulated him.

"I also have big news" George continued.  "I am going to become a bull.  Someday I might rule over the entire herd, and then I can lead them to act upon our plans.  But, that might not happen.  Sometimes the biggest and strongest of the bulls are sent away to be great warriors and fight the enemies of our people.  It is very dangerous, but the ones who survive become great heroes."

"Charley" Blake wanted to know, "What is the matter?  Aren't you happy for us? Is there something wrong?"  "Oh yes, I am happy for you both, and have news of my own, but first I must congratulate you both" he replied.  "Blake, I'm sure that soon all of the other steers will love you and years from now they will tell how you were the best steer of all time."  "And George, in ages to come, young bulls will hope to grow up to be just like you.  I am so proud of you both."

"So tell us" Blake pleaded, "What is your news?"  "Yes, please do" George echoed.

"Well" Charley said, thoughtfully, "Have either of you ever heard of veal?"