barely normal

I was told of the beast named Krampus, a red, hooved animal that dances around in the woods delivering warm cakes to the folks in the neighborhood. He is satan. I mean he looks like satan, but he is Krampus, another mythic beast. Just love the image of a dancing beast carrying a warm tray of goodies through the freezing woods dark at 4 in the afternoon. "Happy solstice dear neighbors" he might say, frothy steam coming from his black tongued mouth "have a crumpet!" Smiling chubby faced red cheeked winter people peer out of their warm homes and indulge in the cakes, laughing and dancing with the black monster, so glad to be of service to them. "I want the recipe for your delicious crumpets" said one baked goods enthusiast. "go talk to my friend on the edge of the wood, he will give you what you seek" Krampus replied, doing a fair looking jig as he spoke. "But what will you give in return?" The little rolypoly baked goods lover was already cruising to the wood edge where a handsome 10 point buck nibbled on some soft bark. "Crumpets hmmmm?" snarled the ungulate, chewing and peering at the chublet. "Yes I have that recipe, but you will have to give me your mind" "why?" asked the round thing, "because it is expected that you must not have the recipe for free" said bucky. The chubby human sat on the ground and put her chin in her hand. She thought for a long time, and said "Strong buck, do you think whoever expects such a large sum for a recipe could possibly stop expecting it?" Cud chewing ceased. Ten points of antler froze in the glint of winter. A faint whiff of deer effluvium snickered past some sphincter. The baked goods lover simply looked at the beast. "Don't see why not" said the Buck, "how about just digging up some of those tasty rotten morels there, under the leaves at your feet?" Years of religious persecution were avoided with the judicious use of some brain matter. and a bit of courage (or desire for baked goods).
Spirits live. Love exists and flourishes amidst the hate and angst and bullshit of our time. Listen to the spirits, their knowledge, protection and influence can guide us as we pilot our souls through this unreal reality. Remember to dance with the black monster, and eat his cookies. I hear they are delicious...