The Curly Pyjama Letters

Dear Vasco, Although spring...

by Michael Leunig

Dear Vasco,

although spring seems to be arriving cautiously this year in Curly Flat, the doves have started mating with remarkable vigour and conviction. The courtship dances of doves are studied with serious interest in Curly Flat. With careful interpretation these little tangos and flamencos reveal much about the current state of nature and the prospects for the coming season. Judging by recent performances I would say that we’re in for a summer of “considerable character”. I don’t recall when I last saw so much ardour combined with such dash and flamboyance. There is an unusually strong sense of glee and purpose in the doves this year and as well as being inspiring and delightful to watch, I think it bodes well generally. Birds are such good teachers, Vasco, in many things, but particularly in the matters of making music and making love. If we could do these things with as much conviction as they do we would surely fly like them as a simple consequence.

I’ll write again soon, but for the moment there’s something I want to do in the garden. I must fly. All good wishes dear friend.

Yours truly,

Mr Curly xx