AnElephantCant tell you how happy he is
He prepares to again take the plunge
That line is quite awful
But no time for waffle
He tackles the new Līgo Haībun Challenge
The Badger – Līgo Haībun Challenge
The Badger
As the first flakes of tomorrow faintly illuminate the eastern sky, the badger trudges wearily homewards.
Each night is longer and harder than the previous one.
Can there really be less food around now?
Certainly the insects and grubs are still here, but, like the trees and bushes, they are more thinly spread.
The frogs and mice are scarcer, and he needs to build up his fat reserves before the arrival of winter, which is not so far away.
But he fears he is older, slower, more weary.
And his leg, of course, will never fully heal.
His mind drifts as he climbs the hill.
To children, scrabbling in the sett.
To their mother, his love, warm and welcoming.
He was happy then, before the dogs came.
And the men, laughing, amidst the smoke and the noise.
He struggles on towards his empty hillside home, each step weighed down by futility.
with great courage
we murder fellow creatures
yet happiness eludes us
Sound Bite Fiction 
i just fell in love with this badger. i can see him struggling home and…oh, you really designed this scene well! ☼sunLOVE ♥
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The old badger now has a smile on his weary face.
Thank you for your visit and kind words.
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☺
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Very strong and affecting. Poor old weary badger really comes across. Happiness is currently eluding me after this read.
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Glad it made an impact.
Being sad is not the answer, so sending a flake of happiness your way.
Mammoth hugs
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Thanks for the hugs – brought a smile to my face, even if I am picking them up rather belatedly.
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Very beautiful. Dechirant dans sa peine.
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Merci, cherie, tu es toujours tres gentille.
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Magnificent. Everything. Very moving. Well written with a sad message of truth! :)xo
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Thank you, Penny, high praise indeed.
Coming from you this means so much.
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Not high praise, just what is obvious and true to anyone who reads your words. xx
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I am horrified at what man is capable of….
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And yet it goes on, Roxi.
Thanks for visiting.
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What a truly magnificent piece. Well said. We destroy creatures and why? Because we want to. Badger baiting is sick. It is nasty and it is pointless. The only people who get any happiness from it are the cruel (people).
Thank you for creating this post
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Thanks, Alastair, there are still too many vile ‘sports’ despoiling our wildlife and ecologically crucial plants.
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Yes there are. It’s sickening.
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The play of nature so well-described. Rare to find prey, but so many undesirable predators hovering around.. and a thoughtful haiku in the end.
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Thank you once again for your kind words.
Your positive feedback is always so encouraging and therefore much appreciated.
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