The Chipmunk and the Bear

Bear was feeling grand. It was the first warm spring day and there were plenty of insects under the logs. Bees were beginning to buzz again and that made Bear's mouth water thinking of honey. The sun was shining down warming Bear and the earth and all things on it. Yes, life was grand. Bear made up a morning song that sang about how wonderful the world was and how great the Bear was to be in it.

Chipmunk heard the morning song and laughed. "You think highly of yourself," he giggled.

Bear wasn't going to let Chipmunk pester him on this fine morning. He continued to sing and turn over logs. Chipmunk laughed again. "Such a big, strong bear. I bet you think you are the strongest thing around," he challenged.

"I supposed I am," replied Bear.

"And you could do anything?" challenged Chipmunk.

"I supposed I could," answered Bear.

"Then you'd have no trouble stopping the sun from rising tomorrow morning?" asked Chipmunk slyly.

"I haven't tried that before," answered Bear honestly. He turned to look at the new morning sun high in the eastern sky. "I could try, I suppose." With that, Chipmunk laughed and laughed and scampered down into his hole to tell his friends.

The next morning found Bear sitting silently, concentrating with all his might on the eastern sky as it started to lighten with the dawn. Chipmunk and his friends came out of their holes to watch. Despite Bear's constant thinking and furious furrowing of his brow and deep, deep stares, the sun still stretched lazily over the world and greeted the morning with its warmth and cheer. By this time, Chipmunk and his friends were all laughing and holding their sides at the foolishness of Bear. Bear put out one large paw and pinned Chipmunk to the ground.

"It's not polite to laugh at people for trying," warned Bear. "Maybe I cannot stop the sun, but I can stop you from seeing it again." Chipmunk watched his friends run to the safety of their holes from between Bear's great claws. The weight of Bear's paw was making it hard for him to breathe.

"Bear," he whispered. "I am sorry for making fun of you and I am sorry for my thoughtless ways. If you will raise your paw just a bit, I will say a last prayer to Creator, then you may do as you wish."

Bear thought that right and raised his paw and claws so that Chipmunk could breathe. At that moment, Chipmunk dashed for his hole. Bear swiped at him, but only managed to rake his quick back as Chipmunk dove for his hole. Three long white stripes were left on Chipmunk's back where Bear had clawed off the fur. Bear waited and watched for a moment and then lumbered off to enjoy the new morning.

Chipmunk and all of his friends were very watchful from then on. They never enjoyed the morning without looking carefully first. They scurried around the edges of life and ducked for cover often. Chipmunk himself became a quiet soul who never poked fun at another again. He carried the three white stripes forever so that he would remember his painful and dangerous lesson of respect.