|
My Eyes open suddenly at the end of another nightmare. Where did it begin? Why did it happen to me? I was gently walking along the edge of the forest, with my mother at my side, enjoying the beautiful day, as we always had. My father was out hunting for the food that we will need in the upcoming days.
Suddenly, we heard a ghastly howl, my mother knew. It was my father. Thinking of my safety, as she always did, she ordered me to stay put. She would return, as soon as possible.
My curiousity took over as I followed her from a distance. She came to the edge of the ridge, as the shreik of agony persisted. I felt so helpless and lonely, being just a pup. She approached with caution, as I stayed hidden behind her. Father was caught in a bear trap. The flesh from his right leg was almost torn from him, biting away at it. But that was not the only problem that we faced. Being that we are wolves, our sense of smell is inferior to none.
As my mother was distracted with the peril my father was facing, she was not aware of the smoke coming from near by. As I approached the area near my father, I could see the flames to the east.
The wind, now increasing by the minute, was adding fuel to the fire. The flames were approaching fast. I let out the loudest howl my lungs could muster. My mother turned her head toward me in shock. Angrily, she charged towards me, leaving my father helplessly alone, for the time being. Ordering me back to our den. I begged her, "NO" as I warned her of the flames ominously approaching us. She told me she had to help my father and she would meet me there. Slowly and cautiously, I backtracked as my instinct told me what was about to happen. I never heard a noise as I turned, but it was frightening. As I ran for my life, the smoke and heat overtook me.
The next thing I remember was slowly opening my eyes and seeing an angel with orange and black stripes. As I slowly regained consciousness, I felt the tiger's sharp teeth, gently close on my fur-covered back. My guardian angel was taking me to safety. The acrid smell of burning flesh, was still stinging my nostrils.
A new life was about to begin for me again. A new family of friends have taken me in to be with them. My new mother's name is Sarabi, keeper of the stars, to the native Indians. My birth name is Tamarack, lonely one. As I found out today, my new sibling's name is Serena, native for Peaceful Beginning.
As the years passed, having a tiger as a mother became interesting. The bond that we shared as a family became closer than normal. We would grow together and stand tall, side-by-side. Protect each other at any cost. But in time our family became closer than one could imagine. The thought of a tiger and a wolf in one family was unique. As Serena and I grew, we became a common link. With the love we shared, we learned to protect each other. Although neither of us ever found a mate, we never felt we needed one. My new mother as my KEEPER and SERENA as my NEW BEGINNING I never felt alone again.
Now, when I open my eyes and dream, I thank the Lord for my Angels, for Sarabi and Serena gave me the inner peace that filled that void within me.
Joe Henn |
|