Good question, Estelyn! Leaf by Niggle does seem to be conceived in a fairly allegorical way despite the famous quotes about detesting allegory-- but I think it grows beyond its original seed as all stories should. So, with mild apologies to the Professor for playing at allegory-- I thought when I read it that Parish was literally the local Parish-- the local community -- the indefatigable ladies who organize the church functions and the Pastor pestering for contributions and volunteers. That annoying fellow in the next pew who wants to confide in someone. Needy old ladies in the front pew-- someone has to linger afterwards to help them totter down the steps. All the claims of love and neighborly charity on an irritable citizen who only wants to get back to painting his tree.
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