THE AMAZING TREE
(Adapted from an ancient Amerindian myth)
by Peter Halder
Hunger stalked the South American rainforest lands of the Carib Amerindian tribes. Cassava, yams, corn and other vegetables and fruits were nowhere to be found.
Tapir: bush-cow
The cacique (Chief) of a tribe noticed that while many starved and grew thin, a bush cow (tapir) was fat and sleek. Curious, the cacique kept a keen eye on the animal. He noticed that bush cow went out alone every morning and returned home, smiling and contented.
The Chief approached it and asked, “How come you look so strong, healthy and well fed while the rest of us are starving?”
“Who knows? Maybe it’s an act of nature,” replied the smiling bush cow. Continue reading
