The Lion and the Hare

In a forest that had learned to hold its breath, there ruled a lion named Bhasuraka. He killed not from hunger, but from the habit of being feared.

Deer, boar, and buffalo came together, because even prey may hold a council when the killing has no calendar.

DeerLord of the grass and the kill, hunt us one by one and the forest will empty, and you will starve in a kingdom of bones. Let us send you one animal each day. You will eat. We will live long enough to arrive.

The lion, who liked the sound of law if the law fed him, agreed. Lots were drawn. Days passed like beads. Then the lot fell on a hare.

HareIf I must walk toward a mouth, I will not walk quickly. Time is a weapon the small still own.

He came late, on purpose, by a path that passed an old well. The lion was already a storm in the clearing.

LionYou dare keep me waiting? I will eat your family for interest.

HareGreat king, I was sent with five others. On the road another lion seized them, saying this forest is his. I escaped only to warn you. There cannot be two suns.

Pride is a hook that needs no bait. Bhasuraka rose, mane bright with insult.

LionShow me this thief. I will leave him as a lesson in the dust.

The hare led him to the well. Noon sat on the water like a coin. In it, a lion looked up — the same fire, the same hunger.

HareThere he is, my lord. He lives in the stone throat of the earth. He has been waiting for you.

Bhasuraka roared. The water roared back. He leapt at himself, and the well received him as wells do — without argument.

The hare returned slowly, which is how good news should travel, so that the forest can learn to breathe again. Strength had gone looking for a rival, and found a mirror.