A hunting dog disturbed a hare hunkered down in the woods. The hare bolted. The dog gave chase. The hare was able to outrun the hound but, after dashing senselessly this way and that, found itself heading toward the millpond with its pursuer bearing down on it. Sensing it would be caught if it turned again, the hare kept going, full pelt, and scarpered straight across the water to safety.

Some rabbits grazing on the opposite bank witnessed the miraculous escape. “You ran across the water,” they cried. “You ran straight across the water! That’s not possible!” “I suppose it must be possible,” the hare replied, catching its breath. “Yes, but how? How did you do it?” the rabbits demanded. “Show us. Do it again.”

The hare looked back from where it came. The dark water, the dog barking on the other side. “No,” it replied, firmly. “One miracle is enough for a lifetime, I think.”

© Richard Parkin, 2023