Proverbial Dead Horse and Wise Little Mouse

The Proverbial Dead Horse &; the Wise Little Mouse
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The perpetrators came with their sticks and stones to take their place
in line, hoping to get a chance at pummeling the almost dead horse. You
see, the poor horse had been ridiculed for telling others how he felt,
and for that reason his soul was ripped to shreds.

His heart momentarily faltered, and he fell to the ground, legs
flailing amidst the crowd lashing out, in hopes of making contact with
at least one; to slash and maim in defense. It did not stop there, as
the crowd gathered round and continued to torment him, beating him into
oblivion until he no longer had the
energy to stand.

The assailants were now bored, as they failed to entice a reaction
from the horse, and dispersed to their respective but sheltered
existence.

The horse lay there, shallowly breathing, viewing from his narrowed
bloody eyes, the space around him, for he saw movement. Out from behind
a hidden wall came a little mouse, who crept slowly towards the horse.
He was in front of the horse's face and looking directly into his
eyes.

"I have seen what has been done to you my friend, and I am ashamed.
Some of those who hurt you were my friends. I cannot believe that they
could not see you for who you really were. They could not fight as one,
so they had to band together. They gave you naught a fighting
chance."

The horse replied, in broken sentences. "I didn't mean... to hurt
anyone. I just wanted someone to know how much ....I feel inside. I was
only trying.... to express myself."

"I am so sorry that this had to transpire. But now you must rest, and
take the time to reflect on what has happened. The world will look
better when you get a fresh new perspective. When you are stronger
you
will stand again, with pride. You will strengthen your defenses, and
ignore the poking and thrusting of harsh words. Learn from your
experience, and rebound with confidence and faith in your
abilities."

The horse was in awe of the mouse. How could such a tiny thing be so
wise and have such noble words? "Why do you say this to me, mouse, why
are you helping me? Why did you not join them?"

"I am not of their kind as I could never be so cruel. I am your friend
and I want to see you succeed. I will never hurt you, but I will help
you when you need it."

"Then I will rest as you suggest. I will regain my strength and come
back fighting, for I am moved by your words. I will be better and I
will not be beaten again," replied the horse. He then stood up slowly,
and gracefully walked away, his head held high.

The little mouse smiled. "I hope I have succeeded where others have
failed." He laughed, and went back to his home. His keyboard was as he
had left it. New stories were waiting to be told.

(c) 2001
Lisa Williams