The Lion and the Aardvark by Jim Demonakos

Author:Jim Demonakos [ed, Robin D Laws]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stone Skin Press
Published: 2013-05-11T00:00:00+00:00

The Backwards-Bent Badger the Forward-Facing Frog

Jim Zub

Two finely-tailored forest friends discussed the merits of the world through their eyes.

“Backwards,” began the Badger, “is a fine view indeed. I always know where I’ve been and can count on familiar sights. History is a safe place and when I look behind me I remember all that’s come before.”

“Preposterous!” croaked the Frog. “Without forward vision you’ll never know what’s yet to come. Tomorrow is all that matters. Face front and always look ahead.”

The Badger was flabbergasted and dismayed.

“Never to look back, fair Frog? No history, no self-reflection, no past at all?”

The Frog croaked his own question in reply, mimicking Badger’s tone as best an amphibian could.

“Never gaze forward, boisterous Badger? No creation, no dreaming, no future to be found?”

The only thing they could agree on, it seemed, was a test. Both would go about their lives in their particular way and see how things turned out. Ten and two years hence they would return to the forest’s edge and discuss their views anew.

Badger felt safe in his resolve—staying in familiar places, traveling only where he’d gone before, winding a constant circular path of nostalgia. Over years the forest changed and, without new knowledge and ambition, he fell too far behind to adapt. Old dirt roads became overgrown and hard to follow. Tasty grubs and insects were no longer found in accustomed spots. One thing led to another and a farmer’s machine, unusual and unknown, made short work of boring Badger.

Frog felt confident in his pioneering spirit—always moving, traveling unknown places and twisting his way in a chaotic trail of the unfamiliar. Over years the lands beyond became inhospitable and, without an understanding of mistakes others before had made, he missed out on tools needed to survive. Exotic places became impossible to navigate without a map. Snails and worms were difficult to procure without an understanding of each region. One thing led to another and a small cut from a thorn bush, infected and untended, finally finished frantic Frog.

Ten and two years passed. Neither made it to the forest’s edge. A pair of present-peering porcupines took up residence there instead, never knowing of its previous peculiar residents.

Past and future must always be balanced with the potent present.

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