The Argument of Stone, Wood, and Metal…

Wood, metal, and stone sat at a table playing poker.  The night was late, but no one of them were any more richer or poorer than when the night began. 

The three were tired but none of them would relent to leave the table.  It was metal and stone whose obstinacy prevented an end of the game.  It began when metal challenged stone’s efficacy. 

“Stone, why don’t you just call it a night now?  You know that you will be giving me all your money anyway.  You’re too rough and disorganized to beat me.”

Stone did not say anything to Metal but gave him a cold look that was meant to cut Metal to the core. 

Wood cut into the conversation, “Sirs, there is no need for this disagreement.  Such talk is not gentlemanly.”  Wood’s words were hand crafted with red-brown warmth. 

Stone looked at Wood.  Stone was as old as wood, but, Stone was much more experienced.  In fact, it was Stone who introduced Wood to the its own functional uses.  Wood remembered the day distinctly.  Stone had been chipped down into an edge which he applied to Wood standing in his natural state as Tree.  When Tree/Wood had been laid to the ground, Stone shaped him into many things.  All the while, Stone had not lost his form.  For this, Wood and Stone formed a bond.

Metal spoke up.  “Old men, it is time for you to ante up.  Place your bets.” 

Stone placed flint on the table.  Metal laughed and hearty laugh.  “Flint?” 

Wood brought forth a violin, beautifully constructed and with beautiful notes that sprung forth from a hole in its torso.  Metal laughed again.  “What use are these things in a modern world?  You two are so outdated that you have become irrelevant.”

Metal placed upon the pile a bar of gold.  “This, men, is value."  And he smiled.

Wood, not to let the slight do, responded.  “You, sir, are unnatural.  You are the dictate of mankind.  A bastard son.” 

Metal became hot, so hot in fact that he began to steam and expand.  “Me, I am the steel girders of the world.  I am not mankind’s bitch! I am its savior!”

Wood smiled a deep grainy smile.  Stone looked at Metal and Wood with the same vacant look he had since he walked into the game.  He rose the ante by placing a stone tile on the pile. 

Wood again spoke, “Ingenious move, old friend.  Ingenious move.”

Wood placed upon the pile an ornate desk with inlay.  Metal put on the pile a shiny metal pistol.  “This, sirs, is what makes the world go round.  It is power incarnate.”

Stone shifted in his seat, and the table and chairs in which everyone sat rumbled.  Wood withdrew slightly into himself.  Metal smiled a greedy smile.

Stone said nothing but laid his cards out on the table in a sign of calling.  Wood and Metal followed suit.