The Parrot, the Serpent and the Lion

Once upon a time, not so long ago, there lived a majestic Lion.

He was king of the land. Strong. Proud. Not always the wisest of leaders.

Every night he would party and roar so loudly that the neighbours in the surrounding town could not sleep. He did not mean harm. He was only having fun. But fun that keeps a whole town awake is still a roar that hurts.

Nearby lived a Parrot.

One afternoon the Parrot came out tired — oversleeping, undersleeping, who could tell? The Lion’s roaring had kept him up all night. He could not raise his chicks or feed them in the morning. He sat on a branch feeling small and worn.

A Serpent passed by.

“Hey, Serpent,” said the Parrot. “I need your help.”

The Serpent leaned in, then spoke quietly.

“Do not speak to me. I am only a serpent. That would be involving others, and I do not wish to be involved unless I choose to be. It is the Lion, after all. I recommend you speak to him yourself. Offer him wisdom with gratitude. I am sure he will hear you better that way.”

The Parrot took the advice.

He flew straight to the Lion. He did not shout. He did not fight. He used the Serpent’s wisdom and “snaked” the truth — a clever, gentle whisper.

He told the Lion that the roaring was hurting the land. That chicks went unfed. That neighbours could not rest. That strength without kindness is only noise.

The Lion listened.

For the first time, he truly heard. He saw that his joy had become someone else’s night. So he learned to use his great strength with kindness instead of volume.

Balance returned.

The Lion became a wiser king.

The Parrot learned patience, and that a soft voice can still be brave.

The Serpent reminded everyone that quiet wisdom can move even the strongest hearts.

Moral

True strength is not loud.

True wisdom is found in listening and gentle words.

Faith and balance bring harmony.