A Fable About Hope

There once was a Caterpillar who lived in a forest.

He went to Caterpillar school.

He did Caterpillar things.

He had Caterpillar parents.

And he lived a Caterpillar life.

He was unhappy.

His parents did not understand him.

"Join the other Caterpillars" they would say.

But he could not, he did not feel like he belonged.

Restlessly he would slowly shuffle along the tree that was his home along his many legs.

Endlessly. In his free time.

Walking along his tree, to other trees, until he was tired and then he would return home.

One day, while on a walk, the Caterpillar met a Raven.

"Hello little thing, should I eat you up?" asked the Raven.

"Do what you will, I care not." replied the Caterpillar.

"Oh-Ho-Ho! A Caterpillar with vision, that is rare."

"I have only blurry vision sir but no desire for witty words. Eat or fly."

"A direct Caterpillar. I have not met a direct caterpillar in ages. Would you like advice Caterpillar, advise to lift you from your malaise?"

"Yes Raven."

"Climb high. Walk far out on to a branch. And change. You will know."

"Why do you say these things?"

"I want a challenge young one. A hunt."

And the Raven flew away.

The Caterpillar climbed a tall tree and scooted out onto a branch.

And waited.

Feelings built up in him.

The difference he always felt coated him, encased him, and eventually he hung.

Tight.

In a warm blanket.

Time passed.

And one day he sprang forth a lovely moth.

Cool and silent.

Black and white.

He felt alive and right.

But he was wary.

He thanked the Raven.

But he would not be eaten.

He vanished.

Into the forgiving night.