Humpty

Welcome!

"Our Twisted Tales" presents engaging backstories for some of the world's most popular nursery rhymes and more. "The Truth About Humpty's Fall" is the first, written in free-verse rhyme. You will delight in the poetic cadences of natural speech which are as enchanting and artistic as the colorful illustrations created by Robert K. Walker. This 106-page adventure of a not-so-clumsy-partially-hatched egg is presented through the voice of "Owl." He is the watcher delivering insight into the Hatchling and his family from the moment Humpty lays on his straw-filled bed. Gut-wrenching and heartwarming, this twisted tale exposes the trickster's relationships, ingenuity, deceptive practices and events leading to his great fall.

The Truth About Humpty's Fall

Robert K. Walker: Illustrator

01

The New Arrival

He is a precious-delicate-tubby egg with great big eyes, displaying twig-like arms and twig-like legs. "Such a plump little thing," his sisters softly say as he lay on a bed made of straw and hay. "Let's call him Dumpty!" "How about Humpty," says Dad. Working together as parents should, they name their son Humpty Dumpty! “How careful we must be,” says Father. "So new and fragile is he."

02

You Know Better

Soon, baby Humpty is on his feet. He does not like to pay attention and despises his Hatchling-baby seat! Any time his parents place him on the floor, this Freshie manages to leave them behind and wobbles beyond their front door.

The Gathering

Once a year, there is a parade of Hatchlings. The procession symbolizes a new beginning and progresses into exciting festivities. Families travel from every corner of the world. Most bring samples of vegetation to share with whoever wants to taste. The variety of foods is exciting, and there is never any waste.

04

EGGStravaganza

Think about what I am saying. Picture this in your mind. Some Hatchlings' heads burst through their shells, with feathery tails following close behind!

05

Guardians Among Us

Some unique species peck and scratch to free themselves too. Like snakes, they burst through the protective shells. Exposed, their fragile bodies make a full debut. Unlike slitherers, these creatures are born weak.

06

Do Unto Others

Candidates stand in fowl lines, even when not an actual fowl. Hatchlings wait anxiously for attendants to equip them to survive the ceremony.

07

Preparation

There is an oxygen-contained helmet to cover heads that breach their shells. Helpers spread a coat of waterproof solution over their twig-or-log-like arms, hands, legs, tails, beaks and feet. A day before the Rite, it is essential for candidates to have nothing to eat!

08

Hot Water

Finally, attendants guide the group into a giant ring positioned above the mouth of a deep-steamy spring. Once inside, supporters search to find the proper fit. Afterward, Hatchlings will somehow sit.

09

The Pledge

On-lookers shout joyfully as the sun-lit sky disappears behind a blanket of colorful balloons. Cheers and applauds are all around! Former Hatchlings still love this sound!

10

It Starts with Art

Promoting individuality, each hard-boiled has hundreds of unusual colors, trimmings and materials from which to pick and choose from. They include containers of metallics, neon, pastels, acrylics, ribbons, fabrics, and bow ties in it!

11

No Rites

With two sheets covering his straw-filled bed, he pulls one around his broad oval head. It’s not enough to keep the brightness from interrupting his rest. Reluctantly, he rises from his personalized nest.

12

A Reason For Everything

Turning one to the other, expressing looks of surprise, no one believes their ears or the egg posturing before their eyes.

13

Backward

Feeling miserable and boxed in, he peers through his dusty bedroom window watching his former friends moving freely throughout the land. No escorts shadow any of them, and no parents hold anyone's hand.

14

Rules

Showing no interest and with folded arms, he does nothing but pout. Lunch is over. “It’s recess time,” Humpty proclaims. “I’m ready to go out!” “Where are your assignments? You have not completed one. You will remain seated until your attitude is proper while making sure all answers are correct and neatly done.”

15

The Deep Sleep

Humpty leaves his room and wobbles close, calling her name aloud. No response! Taking a chance, he opens the door and slams it shut. The force is so great he nearly falls onto his egg-like butt. "My goodness! She doesn't detect anything and doesn't wake up!"

16

Disguised

Through the mirror, he stares into that room, recognizing the box he pushed around. It displays a "Do Not Open" sign. The package is tightly bound.

17

Strangers

Menacing eyes are upon him. There are animals of various sizes boasting various features. Although having never met, this sly one is aware that they know his kingdom’s laws. However, little Eggleston is charismatic, self-promoting, appealing and cunning. And because they are familiar, he must sell them a story that is emotionally stunning!

18

A New Me

Having read countless social articles, Humpty knows observers judge individuals by their attire. This Freshman thinks wisely about how he will dress. He does not want fancy colors, jewels or sagging pants, yet does intend to impress. "I will be wearing a single-breasted tuxedo jacket. The shade will be basic black. The designers note his intentions, jotting reminders on each other's backs.

19

The Rumor is True

Within reach is a decaying egg held together with spiders' webbing. "Don't be afraid. I was watching when you got painted. There when you almost fainted.” His rancid hand outstretched, “You dropped this note. I wager you failed to read the importance of what someone wisely wrote.”

20

Opportunity Knocks

“You are the total package,” replies the director. “The world must see your face. It is not by accident that you wobbled into our filming place. Males will envy your allure! Every female will dream of you, for sure! Rich beyond your imagination, theaters will bring you worldwide fame. I don’t know why I have never seen you before. Please, tell me your name?”

21

SAFE

Finally, outside of his home, exhausted, he braces himself against the wall. Before entering, the disobedient Hatchling peeps through the window. True to her nature, Grandma Eggless still sleeps. Easing the door open, into the house he creeps, as his body deliberately wobbles.

22

The Test

Admiring the flowers sitting atop the nearby shelf, mother immediately takes them to her room. “Oh, my gosh!” Mom is fuming. There is no assuming. Knowing it is the work of their son, "This has got to stop! Wagon in the middle of the floor?" She becomes puzzled spotting a boldly-labeled box behind the door.

23

Responsibilities

Humpty and his siblings enjoy watching their finances grow! Some humans don't save a dime. They squander their income every time. Some live beyond their means by spending their earnings on expensive and irrelevant things. When Eggleston siblings want something new, they set aside funds for a month or two.

24

Perfume

Wobbling past some windows, she sees a crowd of on-lookers at every screen! Their eyes are closed as if dreaming. The pot is no longer steaming. Neighbors and strangers stand there. Grandma and Humpty, like everyone else, are under the hypnotic spell of the sweetly-scented air.

25

The Hunt

“Good afternoon, ma’am. I’m Eagle Eyes. Looking for this fantastic fellow! Have you seen him or know where he lives?" Proudly focusing on his photo, Humpty is filled with pride. The visitor takes note. There are things about the Hatchling’s posture he simply cannot hide.

26

Liar, Liar

Startled, she asks, "Who are you, and how did you get in?" "I'm Humpty!" He relays conversations shared between them and continues with an elaborate story about the ceremony. "My heavens, I don't recall you partaking in the Rite!" “No, Grandma. No! Surely you didn't forget, did you? Oh, I understand your confusion! Let me explain.

27

Freedom

Wobbling inside a thick field of pink, red, green, gold and lemon-yellow roses, as careful as Humpty is, he cannot watch every step. The thorns are biting, slightly scoring his outer shell. He doesn't feel it, so the careless one cannot tell. Undetected, the tangled vines are covered by dense blades of grass. "Oooooh nooooooooo!" Humpty is falling. Help is nearby, but for support, he won’t be calling.

28

Dare Not

Regardless of warnings, all challenges he takes. Humpty is convinced, no mistakes he makes. Upward bound, he is successfully scaling a skyscraping tree! When Owl tries to stop him, he forces his body higher shouting, “You're not the boss of me!"

29

GET UP

Opening the bag, he sees special treats. “So much extra food here!” He happily eats. Suddenly his support shifts. Unable to continuously hold his weight, the grass separates. His body slides along the grounds. Yes, due to overconsumption, instantly, he gains two pounds!

30

A Way Out of No Way

No one realizes the fragile one is powerless to stop! That is except for Owl sadly watching from a distance. This is a terrible situation. It escalates minute by minute. Unfortunately, we all know that Humpty Dumpty Eggleston is the featured attraction in it!

31

Another Warning

You know I am watching you. Another is warning and watching too. Eventually, you will trip, stumble and fall. Stop this charade! There are three days before the Rite of Passage and the Easter Parade!" "Shut up!" snaps Humpty. "I am strong, as you can see. Get out of my way! I am going home. DO NOT BOTHER ME!" Owl takes flight.

32

Eagle Eyes

The pro is crafty and moves about unnoticed. In doing so, he spots Humpty Dumpty Eggleston, the individual he is looking for. The well-dressed one mimics more inchworms crawling on the ground floor.

33

Home Again

Dirty and exhausted from his high-impact day, home is finally within sight. Hesitating, he scans the area because things don’t feel right. Relieved to be at the door, the prodigal son realizes the knob is physically tight. Got to get inside, now!" Pondering whether he accidentally tripped the lock, he knocks, knocks and knocks.

34

Equally Appreciated

Everyone is hungry. All wash before dinner. The ladies set the table. It is abundant with platters of vegetables, grass, seed mixes, wheat, oats, plus grit! Grit makes food easier to chew and swallow it. The family dines while happily discussing their day.

35

PLANS

Humpty plays along. However, his personal agenda is more important than ever. On it is a visit to King's castle. He can only imagine how beautiful and magnificent it is.

36

Pay Close Attention

Resting on the cozy straw-filled bench next to the padded Coy Pond, she entertains herself by watching the colorful fish eagerly approach for feeding. The outcast agent is curious. “Where is Humpty? Asleep?” Seizing the opportunity to slip inside, he locks the door and enjoys the lovely aroma.

37

Just Say, "No"

Wandering further, he meets an extraordinary cat. Its fur is multi- colored with a body that’s visibly fat. Studying its moves as it scales uneasy branches on a not-so-high tree, the bold one approaches. The feline speaks. "You must be Humpty. Come on, follow me! See if you can balance your odd-shaped surface on the bough like a kitty!"

38

Count Down

Only one more day until the rite and Easter celebration. One more day and Humpty will receive many gifts from his family and a community shouting congratulations! The population of the territory is decorating and making final preparations.

39

HEED

Humpty has a hard time sleeping. It sounds like branches keep rapping and tapping on his windowpane. Lifting it, the weary young Hatchling notices nothing within reach. Startled, it’s a good thing he loses his speech.

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