One day, the caterpillar asked the snail, “Mr. Snail, you know many things. Could you tell me, what kind of shape is the shape of life?”
The snail nodded, and answered: Mr. Caterpillar, I think that maybe life is red, like a ripe tomato.”
The caterpillar laughed happily and said, “No, Mr. Snail! I didn’t ask about the color of life! I asked about the shape!”
The snail nodded, and pondered. And then he answered, “Well, Mr. Caterpillar, I that maybe it has a sweet scent, like a pot of honey.”
The caterpillar let out a disappointed sigh and said, “No, Mr. Snail! I didn’t ask about the scent of life! I asked you about the shape!”
The snail nodded, and pondered, and thought some And then, he answered, “Well, Mr. Caterpillar, I think that maybe it murmurs, like a babbling brook.”
The caterpillar finally broke down into sorrowful tears, shook head, and said, “No, Mr. Snail! I ask about the sound of life! I asked you about the shape!”
The snail nodded, and pondered, and at long last he finally answered, “Well, Mr. Caterpillar, I think that maybe, it has a sharp, sweet flavor, like a juicy cherry.”
Losing his patience, the caterpillar grew very angry, said, “If you don’t want to answer me, then fine! I’m not going to ask you any more, Mr. Snail! Good-bye!” And that, the caterpillar turned around and went home.
When he was gone, the nodded and said, “Oh, Mr. Caterpillar. You already knew the answer. Happiness, disappointment, sorrow, anger. These are the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes. Life can take on many different shapes.”