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