"THE TORTOISE & THE MONKEY" by Prose & Poetry

"THE TORTOISE & THE MONKEY"

by Prose & Poetry

Once upon a time, in the heart of the Nigerian rainforest, there lived a clever tortoise named Tobi. Tobi was known far and wide for his wit and cunning. He could outsmart anyone, be it humans, animals, or even spirits.

One sunny morning, as Tobi basked in the warmth of the sun, he overheard the mischievous monkey, Mazi, boasting about his agility. Mazi swung from tree to tree, showing off his acrobatic skills. "I am the fastest and most agile creature in the forest," declared Mazi, his tail twitching with pride.

Tobi, never one to back down from a challenge, approached Mazi. "Dear friend," he said, "I've heard of your remarkable speed. But can you beat me in a race?"

Mazi laughed heartily. "Tortoise, you're slow and heavy. Racing you would be like racing a rock!"

Tobi smiled. "Let's make a wager," he proposed. "If I win, you'll share your ripest bananas with me. But if you win, I'll give you my prized shell."

Mazi's eyes widened. The tortoise's shell was renowned for its beauty and durability. "Agreed!" he exclaimed. "But don't expect any bananas, Tobi."

The race was set. The entire forest gathered to watch. The starting line was drawn, and the signal was given. Mazi shot forward like an arrow, his long limbs propelling him through the treetops. Tobi, on the other hand, moved deliberately, step by step.

As Mazi reached the halfway point, he glanced back and saw Tobi steadily plodding along. "This is too easy!" he thought, swinging from branch to branch.

But Tobi had a plan. He approached a stream that crossed their path. "Oh, mighty river," he called out, "please lend me your strength."

The river spirit, impressed by Tobi's humility, granted his request. Suddenly, the stream surged, carrying Tobi across in an instant. Mazi, unaware of this, continued racing ahead.

When Mazi finally reached the finish line, he expected to see Tobi far behind. But to his shock, there stood the tortoise, smiling.

"How did you beat me?" Mazi panted, catching his breath.

Tobi chuckled. "You see, my friend, speed alone won't win a race. It's wisdom that triumphs. I used the river's help, for it's not about being the fastest but about being the cleverest."

Mazi hung his head in defeat. "You're right, Tobi. I've learned my lesson."

And so, Tobi enjoyed the ripest bananas from Mazi's stash, while Mazi admired the tortoise's beautiful shell.

The moral of the story? In life's race, it's not always the swift who win; sometimes, it's the clever and resourceful who emerge victorious.

I hope you enjoyed this fable!

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by Prose And Poetry

Digital Art by Chigbo Douglas

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