Smiling Owl

RAMIZ ALKHISHIN, the authors alter ego, is agrocer. He has a passion for a life that is as independentas possible from its surroundings. To him the trendyplace to be in is the one to avoid, while the traditionalroad to follow is the one to by-pass.He was once askedas to what is the most appealing feature of animals? Theirindifference to what I think and believe was his reply. Ramiz through thirty nine dialectic scenes looks at lifethrough the eyes of animals. A rabbit, upon seeing thetitle of this book, had the following dialogue with an owl:Rabbit: How come you never smile?Owl: Who said I dont?Rabbit: Your face says so. Owl: Ah; that sort of smile. Rabbit: Is there another kind?Owl: Unpublicised, refl ecting inner tranquillity. Rabbit: But then it is not apparent?Owl: Why does it need to be?Rabbit: We may otherwise assume you are unhappy. Owl: Why should that concern me?