A Miner Inconvenience

[Cuddlefish]

Two miners were searching for rare gems. Once they found a cave to their liking, the first miner went down into it to set up. The second miner went to gather tools and equipment. They were to meet back at the mouth of the cave in twenty-three minutes, which they did.

"How was it setting up?" said the second miner.

"Well," said the first, "When I first set up, I had the lantern to my back. It was hard to see what I was doing, because I cast my shadow on everything. That wouldn't do, so, I put it right in front of me."

"I see. Did that work out any better?"

"No, if you would believe it. When it was right in front of me, the glare was in my eyes, and I couldn't work without being blinded!"

"Ah..." said the second miner. "So, what did you do?"

"Well, I hung the lantern overhead. That way I could see mostly everything."

"I see. That makes sense." said the second miner. "When it was behind you, I call that 'denying it.' With your back to the lantern, all you see is your own shadow, which is only a distorted image of yourself. When it was in front of you, I call that 'chasing it' or 'grasping at it.' Staring at the lantern directly will cause you to go blind, for some people, this is permanent! I'll call you lucky that you still have your sight! But, hanging it overhead, I call that 'Being aware of it, but not looking at it' which can translate to 'Ignoring it.'"

"I know, now." said the first. "I was able to figure it out by asking myself 'When you dig for rare gems, do you look at the head of your pick, or the place you are trying to strike? When you shoot your bow, do you keep your eyes locked on the arrow, or your target?' and it all made sense from there."

"Good." said the second miner. "Let's have lunch."

[Q. G. Pennyworth]

This feels really familiar. Is it based on something older, or am I just reacting to writing style?

[Cuddlefish]

This feels really familiar. Is it based on something older, or am I just reacting to writing style?

It's not based on anything I've previously written.

[Cuddlefish]

Or, it is the basis for everything I've previously written? I dunno... It's kinda confusing...