Ken's Second Act

A political satire disguised as a children's tale

Writer’s note: I penned the following fable for potential use in a storytelling project at a local nature center. It does not fit in with the upcoming event in part because I suggested a puppet show. I hope I find a home on the range for Rupert the Fox, or a roam on the strange.

Rupert the Fox set up his new home in a den down under the forest floor of the Central Highlands of Arizona. He had ambitions to establish dominion over the forest, but some of the other animals and critters were suspicious – and even outright hostile – toward his intentions.

He introduced himself to animals and insects on the Gambol oak tree.

“Hi, Maties, I’m Rupert.”

Keith the Woodpecker protested from high up in the pecking order, “You’re not welcome here. I’m going to name you worst creature in the forest for today.”

Brian the Chipmunk said, “You are perpetrating a hoax. Go bark up another tree.” He pelted Rupert with acorns.

Paul the Beetle hissed, “Get back. Get back to where you once belonged.”

Rupert was undaunted. He did not give up easily. “I‘ve got friends in high places. I can turn this tree into pulp and you can read about it or watch in tomorrow’s news,” he said.

He called his friend Carl the Beaver on his smartphone. “Carl, can you handle a hostile takeover of this tree and the forest? The natives are resisting.”

Carl emerged with a chainsaw and said, “I can do it.”

Meanwhile, Murphy the mountain lioness pursued her grievance against Dan the Quail, who was scampering on a clearing with his brood. “You dissed me about becoming pregnant with my cub after my mate died and raising her as a single mom. It’s payback time.”

Murphy lunged at Dan, who screamed for help.

George the Hawk emerged from behind a bush and flew in attack mode toward Murphy. “This will not stand,” he said.

Finally, Rodney the Dove emerged from what appeared to be the Heavens and asked, “Why can’t we all just get along?”