07/06/2026
When the famine hit the forest, the only creatures that were not affected were the birds and climbers. There was no food anywhere in the wild except the fruits on the tall Iroko tree.
One of the creatures hit hardest was the Tortoise. His legs were short and clumsy, and his shell was heavy. Even when fruits fell from the tree, other faster earth-bound creatures got to them first.
When the Hawk noticed that the Tortoise had not eaten for days, he decided to help him. Every morning, the Hawk descended to the dusty earth. He let the Tortoise dig his claws into his feathers and carried him to the top of the Iroko.
When they arrived, the Tortoise immediately crawled to the ripest fruit, his mouth filled with sweetness.
A flock of Weaver Birds saw the Tortoise atop the Iroko and were amazed. They perched on the tree to confirm what they saw.
"How incredible," they sang, "that one such as you has mastered the art of climbing."
Carried away by the praises, the Tortoise told them how one can achieve anything he sets his mind upon. He talked about determination and holding on. And while he spoke, he never mentioned the Hawk.
The flock were amazed, and they praised him even more.
The Hawk listened quietly.
But as soon as the Weaver Birds flew away, the Tortoise turned to the Hawk and said, "I hope you are not offended."
The Hawk adjusted his wings and looked out across the forest.
"Not at all," he replied. "I am just waiting to know how you climb down."
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