Frog's Answers

For Quintin (humorist, actor, poet) on Turning 16

In the heart of the frog, there is an answer to a very ancient question. The frog knows the answer. When you ask him to tell it to you, a sound comes out of his mouth that is the vibration of the answer, though it is indistinguishable from the other sounds that the frog makes. Which is to say, it can't be comprehended by human ears or understanding.

"Who is God?" is the question the ancient tadpoles asked their grandmother frog. And every night, if you listen closely, you can hear them singing her answer.

There is a second question that the frog knows the answer to and that accounts for his huge grin. He does not give out this answer, but simply keeps it in his heart, where it grows beyond his mortal frame and merges into the Absolute itself.

The question is, "Who am I?"

As for the third question, the frog jumps every time he hears it. He can't help but jump for joy because the question tickles the pads of his toes. The question is, "Will I make it in Hollywood?" The answer to this question resides in the heart of the mosquito. This is why you always see him sticking his tongue out, trying to catch it.

There are many other questions the frog has answers to. Just ask him.