In a certain forest there was a bright clearing where animals gathered every day. They'd chat with each other, argue about things, and even put on proper concerts. Usually there was quite a racket, but today only two voices could be heard.
What would you know? You're living the life of Riley!
The Hare protested.
As if your life's so tough!
The Wolf snapped back.
Nobody in our forest bothers you, you just munch on carrots and pinch cabbages from the veggie patches.
Oh, come off it! And you just run around the forest having a chinwag with the fox. While I…
Enough bickering.
Suddenly a voice rang out in the forest. The Wise Owl had appeared in the clearing.
I can help you sort out who's got it tougher. I'll swap your tails for a day, and you'll each live the other's life.
And then the Owl waved her wing — and a short grey tail grew on the Wolf. She waved again — and a long grey tail grew on the Hare. And so it was settled.
The Hare hopped through the forest quite pleased with himself, showing off to the local kookaburras. But his happiness didn't last long. He decided to nick some cabbages from the village, but it didn't work out. The moment his tail flashed in the bushes — shots rang out! The hunters chased the poor little hare for ages, and he barely escaped with his life. After a good think — he headed to the clearing to wait for the Wolf.
Things didn't go smoothly for the Wolf either. At first he was chuffed, racing through the forest unnoticed, nobody paying him any mind. But in his excitement, the forest creature wandered onto someone else's clearing.
And there sat a fox.
Oh, what a lovely little hare.
She smiled cunningly.
What are you on about, gone blind have you?
The grey hunter protested.
I'm a Wolf.
What wolf? Little tail, grey — definitely a hare.
I reckon so too.
A bear emerged from the bushes. And they reached out with their clawed paws toward the poor Wolf. He had to leg it as well. They met up in the clearing — the exhausted Wolf and the puffed Hare, with his tail between his legs.
Forgive me, Grey.
The Hare pleaded.
You've got it tough, I was wrong.
No, you forgive me. How do you manage to run from everyone, get everything done? You were right, you've got it harder.
And don't argue anymore.
Once again the Wise Owl appeared in the clearing.
Life's hard for everyone, it only seems easy from the outside. And until you've walked a day in someone else's shoes, don't judge anyone!
