Thursday, December 31, 2009

Bunny Prints and Chekhov's Gun

"One must not put a loaded rifle on the stage if no one is thinking of firing it." Chekhov’s gun is a literary admonition to not include unnecessary elements in a story. If the rifle isn’t going to be used then it doesn’t belong in the story. Everything becomes condensed into what is essential to the plot. Tonight the radiant moon, the last moon of the year illuminates fresh bunny prints on the snow. I pause and ponder the attention, awareness and willingness required to notice the details of life yet stay present with life’s story and unfolding plot. Happy New Year to you my unseen bunny, I noticed your prints. It is exciting to think where they will lead in 2010.