Life in the Volcano

The black ogres stomped around the rocky ledge overlooking the heart of the volcano. One fell with a dull scream into the fiery pit.

This was the ledge of Stupidity.

A way up, red devils with white feet glared at each other. They puckered their lips and did not speak, just glared and sneered at each other.

This was the ledge of Hatred.

Farther up, bronze and grey dwarves counted money and hid away in corners clutching themselves, looking about with darting eyes.

This was the ledge of Greed.

Three- quarters of the way up, fire blazed, skinny and snarling creatures created black magic, laughed in a harsh voice at their fellow beings and pushed their enemies into the volcano pit.

This was the ledge of Evil.

Finally on the brim was a small ledge with a white mouse on it. Every so often he would dart inside the rocky volcano edge and come out with a bit of ash and nibble it for a time then save it until later.

This was the ledge of Hope.