Once upon a time

Once upon a time an old man stood against a tree
His face long with concern
Mind absent of great thoughts
His heart yearned for words of encouragement

A jackal showed face
Asked the man what troubles his mind
Man refused to share words with the jackal

Jackal: What trouble mind old man?
Old man: What do you know of human concern?
Jackal: Our experiences differ yet I can prove great counsel
Old man: I do not seek counsel from the four legged
Jackal: Let us hope time will save your concern

Jackal left the old man in company of tree
Time passed before a bird settled on branches above man

Bird: What troubles mind old man?
Old man: What do you know of human concern?
Bird: I know not of your experiences 
I fly high in the skies but I still need to shelter on land
Old man: My concern is far from mere flight and shelter concerns
Bird: Let us hope time will save your concern
Bird left man in company of tree
Time passed before a snake wrapped around tree


Snake: What troubles mind old man?
Old man: What do you know of human concern?
Snake: I slither on my belly daily in search peace I could never find
Old man: God’s punishment you deserved, I do not deserve what concerns heart
Snake: Let us hope time will save your concern

Snake left man in company of tree
Time passed before a rabbit showed face

Rabbit: What troubles mind old man?
Old man: What do you know of human concern?
Rabbit: I know not your experiences 
I run as fast as feet can carry me away from my concerns 
Old man: Memories always follow a man
Rabbit: Let us hope time can save your concern

Rabbit left man in company of tree
Time passed before a shepherd came and sat with the old man

Shepherd: What troubles mind old man?
Old man: My heart is heavy with burden and mind gives no direction
Shepherd: I have walked similar path and found the light
Old man: Do not hesitate to give direction of the light
Shepherd: A jackal found me sitting on stone and gave great counsel that saw burden lifted 
Old man: Does the jackal bear a white mark on neck?
Shepherd: Indeed but sad news hunters have made meal of it