Open Writing

Richard Mallinson’s tale concerns an ancient way with words.

'Don't let them in,' he said. 'Don't let who in?'

'Them, those, the vipers . . . they're out there.'

'Vipers? Out there? Where? Don't be silly.'

'Keep them out, nurse, please keep them out.'

'Calm down . . . You probably don't even know what a viper is.'

'Oh, yes, I do. It's a poisonous snake . . . Don't let them in.'

'All right, I won't let them in. Now, try to settle down.'

'How can I settle down with that generation of vipers out there?'

'Generation of vipers?'

'Yes, it's in the bible.'

'There are lots of things in the bible, vicar.'

*

'How is he, nurse?'

'Well, he's just been going on about vipers.'

'Ah, the generation of vipers.'

'Oh, so you've heard of them as well, have you, doctor?'

'Yes, they're in the bible.'

'Hm, that's what he said before he fell asleep.'

'Now tell me, nurse, has he ever mentioned vipers before?'

'No, never, doctor . . . nor the bible, either.'