The Lion, Donkey and Fox

Once upon a time, deep in a magical forest where you'd half-expect the trees to burst into song, an Donkey and a Fox were taking a casual stroll. They were chit-chatting, talking about the coolest carrot styles and the yummiest berries, as you do.

Out of nowhere, they run into a Lion. This Lion was so fancy, his mane looked like it had its own hairstylist and his growl sounded like the loudest monster truck.

The Fox starts shaking like a leaf but then gets a bright idea. An idea not as bright as the sun, but more like a little flashlight.

"Hey, Mr. Big Mane," the Fox says, trying to sound calm and cool. "You see that Donkey over there? He's like a walking snack bar. Way better than any fast food. Oh, and I know a perfect trap right around the corner!"

The Lion thinks it over, scratching his head like he's figuring out a tricky puzzle. "Alright," he says, "show me."

So, the Fox guides the Donkey to the trap. SPLAT! The Donkey falls in and can't climb out. Now, he wishes he'd paid more attention in how-to-escape-from-traps school.

Happy that his dinner plans are set, the Lion turns back to the Fox. But instead of saying, "You're awesome, here's a blue ribbon," he growls, "Snack time!"

That's right, kiddos. The Fox's plan didn't just go wrong; it went super-wrong. The Lion chooses to munch on the Fox first and save the trapped Donkey for later.

And there you have it! Being too tricky can turn you into a snack for someone else. Even if you're as sneaky as a Fox... who now wishes he'd been a little less clever and a little more nice.

Fox and Donkey, side by side,
Wandered woods, far and wide.
Till they met Lion, fierce and grand,
Roaring loud, across the land.

Fox felt fear, deep inside,
Thought of a trick, in a stride.
"Mr. Lion, so strong and neat,
Look at that Donkey, isn't he sweet?

He's quite plump, a feast indeed!
I'll lead him to a trap, with speed."
Lion grinned, nodding his head,
And to the trap, the Donkey was led.

Donkey was trapped, couldn't flee,
Lion laughed with utmost glee.
But instead of the Donkey, here's the twist,
It was the Fox, the Lion wished to enlist.

In the woods, the tale unwinds,
Where treachery and fate entwines.
For in deceit, one often finds,
That mischief backfires in all kinds.