Fables for early spring: thoughts for the season of renewal.

The rose’s revenge

The holly bush mocked the withered rose hedge in frigid months. “Who would look at you twice, so scraggly and forlorn?” The rose knew patience, and asked the holly whether any passersby paused to admire the fragrance of its berries.

The duck who drank too much

A mallard duck grew fat from feasting on winter grass. He asked the rabbit how he might get trim in time for the mating season. The rabbit told him to drink from the waters of the stream at its source. The duck went there every day in early morning, until the hawk noticed his routine.

The lost ox

An oxherd searched for his ox through swamp and field between the high mountains. He cried in distress and sorrow over his plight. Only when he stopped crying could he hear the ox’s movements.

The pearl’s wish

The pearl sought freedom from the oyster and was swallowed by the fish.

The new age

Seeking to usher in a golden age, the king decreed that all history books be burnt. His chief minister promulgated the decree, explaining that there was ample precedent for it.

The future of communication

A futurist developed a new universal language designed to improve the transfer of information, but died before completing the foreign-language dictionaries.

For other fables, see here.