The Haze

A herd of antelopes used to go to a watering hole and quench their thirst. They enjoyed and shared the resources of the jungle they lived in. The other animals were comparatively fewer in number than the antelopes. Usually, it was the antelopes who got, as others would say, the lion’s share. But this didn’t mean the others got only a pittance of the water. Even though everything seemed to be well and dandy in the jungle, the antelopes were secretly hated by everyone. They didn’t like the fact that the antelopes got more.

As tensions built up, so did the threat of conflict. The antelopes noticed this and started to take less and less water. But not everyone was okay with this. The antelopes started to feel less like a herd, but a collection of groups who just tolerated each other. Observing the palpable tension in the antelopes, the jungle collectively took a decision without the antelopes, to send in an enforcer of the laws of the watering hole. He would monitor who got how much and if anyone took a little too much, so a keen eye was maintained on who got more and who got less. The observer did a pretty good job because he was qualified: he knew the rules, could adjust or tweak them according to the needs, like, if an animal came tired after hunting, it was allowed to drink more water

But, to say this did not go over well with the antelopes would be an understatement. There was a fiery uproar as to why they were not a part of the decision making.” We follow the same rules as you, but aren’t they equal?” cried angry antelopes. To prevent the situation from going further out of hand, a meeting was called for where everyone could calmly discuss what to do next. The antelopes started first, expressing their sorrow about not being involved. They called the others out for not acknowledging them and only tolerating them, not considering them as equal members of the jungle. This was strongly refuted, as the animals stated slowly unravelling the whole discussion into an outlet for their complaints. “The watering hole isn’t yours to hog. We exist too!” “Well, we antelopes take as much as we need and don’t waste it like you.” “You’ve got to be joking. Ninety percent of the water goes to you, and we get the dirty leftovers.” “It’s water, what do you mean leftovers? And I thought it was for everyone to distribute proportionally. Antelopes make 70 percent of the jungle, so we naturally need more water.” Their arguments seemed never-ending, like a dog chasing its own tail to no avail.

The increasingly frustrated watering hole observer finally had his chance to speak, as he was considered the root of the problem by the antelopes. He went on to prove his innocence and how he was a passive soul, not doing much. After all the arguments were over and it seemed like they were going to go for each other’s throats, the judge banged his gavel so loud even the animals in the back could hear its echo emanating through the halls. “Today was a day of grief, intolerance, anguish and hatred. Though, on the surface, you act like brothers, deep down there is hate festering. In your souls. While the antelopes do get more water, they need it as they are the majority. But this does not mean they are absolved of crime; antelopes are seen nearly every day jumping in the watering hole and swimming through its crystal-clear water. Neither are they dirty, nor are they using the water carefully. It is impossible to expect no water to be wasted, but with the amount wasted now, it is safe to hope and act on the desire to reduce water wastage – not eradicate it completely but take a step in the right direction. The animals who engaged in decision making without the antelopes will face slaps on the wrist and the antelopes, who almost started a war without reason, their limit on water usage will be reduced for 2 weeks. May justice prevail!”

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This article is published by Bookosmia, India’s #1 publisher for and by young people. Bookosmia publishes stories, books, podcasts, events, TED-Ed talks, workshops, bedtime stories and more related to kids and young adults.
Photo Credit – AI generated images from Chat GPT and Magic Media from Canva .
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