Paphos People

REINCARNATION

Gary Gregory was a reincarnationist. He was President of the Reincarnation Group at the local community centre. The membership was not large but it was dedicated with people believing that they were somebody famous in a former life or may be in the next one. Mostly regarded as cranks and wierdos by everybody else they held a firm and unshakeable faith in reincarnation always wondering what their next incarnation would be.
Gary’s best friend and vice chairman was Michael Angelo, his real name because of his imaginative parents, who had a keen interest in paintings and anything connected with them. They always wanted to be famous but were happy that their son had the privilege. However Michael Angelo Wilkins didn’t quite sound right. Also it was one of the reasons why he joined the group - well he already had the name.
All the members took a solemn oath that after their demise they would do everything in their power to reconnect with the group and confirm the belief in reincarnation.
“Why was it always somebody famous that was reincarnated?” People would ask the members “Why not an ordinary person, with no claim to fame but surely with the same rights to be re-born again as anybody else?”
“Because great achievers are re-born time and time again, there is a hard core of Military Leaders, Scientists, Scholars, Religious Icons and other influential people who have shaped the world since time began. Each time they come back they are stronger.”
This was the official line of the Reincarnation Group and without proof could not be disputed. The same criteria applied to tyrants and villains throughout the developing civilizations. Adolf Hitler, was probably reincarnated from Attilla the Hun stopping off to be Ivan the terrible on the way! Who knew or could prove otherwise?

After the meetings, Gary would have a few pints with Michael Angelo down the local pub and discuss the groups’ findings and conclusions. However this particular week Michael seemed pre-occupied and unresponsive.
“What’s up mate?” asked Gary.
“I’ve been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and only got a month or so left.”
“Great!” said Gary “Now we can plan our campaign for when you reach the other side!”
Michael didn’t look too impressed but the strong belief that he would be in touch and honour his oath to the group gave him some sort of comfort.

The day of Michael’s departure from his current persona was witnessed by his family and the group, who all parted company with the comment “See you soon mate.”

They all waited patiently and each month at the meeting they shared feelings that Michael had been in touch somehow. Interesting theories but nothing was solid and concrete evidence to prove the existence of another life.

Until one night Gary was sound asleep when he was awoken by a voice inside his head calling his name. Was he dreaming? Was he awake? Was he dreaming he was awake?
“Gary it’s me, Michael, I’ve made contact at last”
“What took so long?”
“I’ve been really busy up here, never a moments rest, on the go all of the time.”
“Doing what?” said Gary
“What I shall be doing in my new life mate”
“What are you doing exactly?” asked Gary again eager to find out.
“Well every morning I wake up, have some sex, get something to eat, have some more sex, have more to eat, then more sex, until nightfall. Then after a good night’s sleep it starts all over again day in day out.”
“Who are you going to be, a Rock Star, some kind of Porn King, a rich Arab with a harem, who is it mate?”

“Not who Gary it’s nothing like that, you’ve got it all wrong I’m a rabbit up on Cleeve Common!”