I am happy to report - unlike last week - that this story is ALL of Simon from beginning to end. I helped with editing here and there; but he can take FULL credit. He worked through some tears and frustrations, but he did it.

Simon Avenson
5th Grade
November 24, 2009
Damocles and the King
Unit 3

The Long Mile

Ancient Greece was a wealthy and thriving land. One could smell beer brewing in the taverns, pies baking in the ovens and sacrifices burning to the Greek gods such as, Zeus, the god of sky and king of all gods, Poseidon, the god of sea and Hades, the god of death. Houses made of sundried brick followed the fig tree lined paths. Merchants were in their stalls bellowing out, and peasants, who needed food on their tables, were tirelessly working. In a major city, there was a prosperous palace and inside the palace there was a just King, In that same city, there lived a famer called Damocles. Although Damocles had everything he needed, he still wanted more.

On a lugubrious day Damocles was feeling agitated. His house was a mess and he had left over food on the counter. Also, he had a broken well that he had to fix or else he wouldn’t be able to get any water. While in the city to get the supplies to fix the well, Damocles happened to bump into the King. Damocles proclaimed, “Watch where you’re going!”

The King, who was quick to react, shouted back, “How dare you address me like that!”
Damocles astonishingly declared, “I did not know it was you, Your Highness.”

“It is ok since you did not know, what is your name?” He asked.

“Damocles,” and he mumbled, “I wish I could live as you do”

The King replied “Would you like to take my throne for a while?”

“I would love to Your Highness,” he meekly responded.

“Very well then,” spoke the King, “You can have the throne while I take my much needed vacation.” Since Damocles could not contain his delight, he excitedly shook the King’s hand repeatedly and he skipped home to get some lunch.

Damocles, who was beginning to feel quite important, started the incredibly long walk to the palace. When he got there, he was astounded by the unreal beauty of it all. Everywhere he looked he saw gold trimmed couches, beautiful chairs, an enormous dining table, and a fantastically royal looking throne. Damocles sauntered to a dressing chamber and changed into a fine tunic, breeches, socks, and a robe. After that, he came out of the dressing chamber and strode to the throne. He ordered some food and commanded the orchestra to play his favorite song, since he knew the song when settle his nerves. While lounging on the throne, Damocles looked up and saw an extremely sharp and heavy sword.

“Get me out of here!” Damocles yelled.

“What’s the matter?’” cried his personal servant.

“There is a sword up there!” proclaimed Damocles

“Yes,” replied the servant, “The king must live in constant fear; there are many people who would like to kill him.”

Damocles replied shakily “Once the King returns from vacation, I will go directly back to my house and enjoy the carefree life there.”

The moral of this story:
Walk a mile in my shoes