Why Good Days Can Cost You
A Flame That Wanted To Rival The Stars There is an old fable about a lamp that believed it had become greater than the stars. Filled with abundant oil, its flame burned higher and brighter than usual. Looking into the […]
Spring Got a Little Cocky
When The Swallow Came Too Soon A young man had spent through nearly everything he owned. His money was gone, his choices were gone, and winter had left him with very little except the cloak on his back. Then one day, […]
The Lion Couldn’t Pull Harder
Not Every Strength Roars Forever Long ago, a mighty lion wandered confidently through the forest. He feared little. His strength was unquestioned, his roar enough to send every creature scattering. Then one ordinary day, he stepped where he could not […]
The Jar Wasn’t The Problem
Some Things Only Loosen Gently A boy reached into a narrow-mouthed jar filled with filberts and grabbed the largest handful he could manage. When he tried to pull his hand back out, it wouldn’t fit. He tugged harder. The jar rattled. The […]
The Crab Saw It Last
We Notice Ourselves Last The tide had slipped quietly away from the shore, leaving behind smooth stones, ribbons of seaweed, and shallow pools that reflected a pale Scandinavian sky. A mother crab and her daughter wandered across the beach together, […]
The Owl Who Warned Too Soon
Some Bodies Notice First Long ago, an old owl watched the world from the shelter of an ancient tree. She noticed small things the other birds overlooked. A farmer scattering unfamiliar seeds. Young saplings beginning to disappear from the edges […]
When Survival Becomes a Habit
Some Victories Cost More Than They Seem The horse had a beautiful meadow. The grass was rich, the water ran clear, and there was enough room to roam. Then a stag began crossing into the pasture. Again and again, the […]
The Cat Chose One Tree
The Cat Chose One Tree A Fox once met a Cat while wandering through the woods. The Fox was proud of himself. He had dozens of clever ways to escape danger. If hounds came from one direction, he had one trick. […]
Turns Out, Everyone Was Busy
Not Every Open Door Becomes A Refuge The hare was proud of how many friends he had. There was the horse, swift enough to outrun almost anything. The bull, powerful enough to frighten most dangers away. The goat, clever and […]