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Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry has passed away after a brief battle with cancer.

The Hungry Fox

Tia McFarthing

 

A long, long time ago when man was new and animals still ruled the earth, there was a temple upon the peak of Mount Everest. There animals came to meditate for what seemed like days at a time and all knew that it was a place of peace and happiness. This temple had arching windows, stone walls, many comfortable seats; it was as beautiful as the sunrise. Why it was grander than even the main hall of Hogwarts.

Now on a day much like this one, Wise Owl was meditating. Fox had not eaten for a day, and to him it felt like years. When he walked by the temple, he could smell the delicious Owl inside. Fox, driven by his hunger, and no longer respecting the peacefulness of the temple, ran inside.There he saw Owl sitting on the floor.

 

Fox began to lunge, but without even looking, Owl greeted, “Friend Fennec Fox, before you eat me I wish to finish my meditation, if you would like, I’d be happy to have company,”

Fox was suspicious, but saw no reason to seal his fate yet. Fox questioned himself, ‘I should at least allow him his final wish, right?’ He replied, ‘I see no reason why not.’

“Carry on, Owl, and I’ll join you. I never have understood this meditation thing. Fox sitting down closed his eyes. “I don’t see why you enjoy doing this,” he said after a minute, “It seems like such a mediocre activity.”

Owl, as placid as ever, responded, “It’s not the act of sitting here, which I enjoy, it’s time for self reflection to determine my true purpose in life. That is what draws me and many others to this activity.”

Following this profound statement, the two sat quietly for the remainder of the hour until Owl was finished meditating.

“You mean you are ready to satiate my appetite?” Fox inquired.

“I’ve had a good life, if I must end it at this time, I will die in happiness,” Owl responded preparing for the bite.

‘This Owl has taught me a great lesson, he has shown me peace, love and how to find myself. I would even consider him a friend,’ Fox thought, ‘Yet to repay him for all this, he becomes my meal?’ Fox moved to bite him, but hesitated:

“I cannot, friend Owl, you’ve enlightened me. I see no reason to eat you.”

Owl slightly surprised replied, “Thank you, I feel we will develop a great friendship. Please come, we should take some more time to meditate.”

Fox, content, responded happily, “I guess looking in on oneself can help one understand others as well. Thank you for your help, Friend Owl.To me, you will always be my greatest teacher.”

 
Audio edited and story transcribed by Bernadette Becker.