The Old Hyena
Once upon a time, there was a very strong hyena in the central regions of Somalia. The hyena was one of the most effective hunters in the area. He had many children and provided for all their needs. His family never stayed hungry for one night. He never spared a goat, sheep or cow that he found in the bush. In many instances, he would attack family compounds and run away with animals. This way he killed many useful animals for the nomads: The cows which had the greatest supply of milk, fat shoats that were ready for sale, expectant camels, and all types of domestic animals. Mr. Farey was not interested in domestic animals only. He also killed human beings and wild animals including other hyenas in the area. If he cannot find anything else, he would sometimes kill other hyenas to feed himself and his children.
The people in the area gave him the nickname Mr. FAREY. Farey means the fingerless. History has it that his toes were cut off after he fell into a trap one night. He was lucky enough to have escaped, although he lost all the toes in his leg. This lack of toes made it easier for the nomads to identify which hyena preyed on their animals. Most of the raids in the area were definitely performed by none other than Mr. Farey.
After living in the area for many years, Mr. Farey grew old and became very ill. One day his children wanted to take him to a place close to the water wells. They wanted him to get to the water well with ease. Do not worry about food! He had enough children and they underwent rigorous training in the field of stealing and escaping. They inherited their father’s strength and efficiency and it was their turn to provide for their lovely father.
The children made various suggestions on the closest water well where their father could live. Whenever they suggested an area, Mr. Farey told them that he killed someone’s child or livestock in that area. He said he was too weak to escape or fight back and therefore he could not accept to live near any well. After exhausting all avenues, the children left Farey alone and told him that there is no way they could help him. The youngest son sid the following to Mr. Farey:
Messing up with peace
Messes up your peace!
Don’t kill others
So you don’t get killed!
If you terrorize others
You will be terrorized forever!
Always treat others
The way you want them to do
Don’t be impressed by your strength
No one is protected from becoming weak!
Lesson: If you think that you can get richer by destroying other people’s lives you are wrong. The people whose sons you killed will be more than willing to take revenge on you. Treat others the way you would like others to treat you.
