Mouse and Lion

On a ridge above the Kalihari,
Lion naps, until Mouse bumbles into him,
willy-nilly, startling him awake.
After a show of teeth, Lion is softened
by Mouse's pledge of loyalty and sets him free.

When a cold moon brings a humbling lesson,
Lion comes to recognize
Mouse's keen skill, and deeper kindness.

Mouse and Lion, Aesop's fabled duo,
renew their ancient bond
in this warm retelling by Rand Burkert,
illuminated by the authentic natural detail
of Nancy Ekholm Burkert's art.