A Fairy Koan

Rabbit wants to go to the city so that she can be a dancer.  All her life, she’s dreamed of pirouetting on stage in a fancy lace tutu.  Rabbit’s stepmother Hare tells her that their kind can’t be dancers.  Rabbit wants to believe in herself, but Hare’s words revolve in her mind.  One morning, Hare catches Rabbit dancing in the shadows cast by the sun.  Hare chases Rabbit into the forest.  Rabbit is faster than Hare and quickly escapes.  She gets lost and roams until nightfall.  Rabbit burrows in to an old tree and sleeps deeply. 

            The next morning, the clouds are dark and heavy with the threat of rain.  Rabbit decides she’s not going back to face Hare.  It begins to rain, soaking Rabbit’s coat and matting her fur.  She doubts herself and her dream.  Just when she’s ready to turn around, she finds the road to the city.  The sun breaks through the clouds, and an image of Grandmother Cottontail enters Rabbit’s mind.  Grandmother used to whisper stories of famous dancers to Rabbit, encouraging her to be who she wanted to be.  Rabbit keeps on.  On the road, Rabbit meets Lizard.  He stands tall and tells her that he is a wizard.  She tells Lizard that she is on the way to the city to become a dancer. 

            Lizard says, “Rabbit, I will grant you the wish of being a dancer.  But first, you must answer a riddle.  I will give you four chances to answer.”

            Rabbit’s tail thumps as she quickly accepts Lizard’s proposal. 

            “This is an easy one,” Lizard says.  “The bridge flows, but the water is motionless.  Why is this?”

            Rabbit blurts out the first thing that comes to mind.  “Because the water is frozen?”

            Lizard shakes his head no.

            “Because it is a miracle?” Lizard crosses his arms no.  Rabbit knows that Lizard is a powerful wizard, so takes her time thinking.  “Because there is no water?”

            “You’re on the right track.”  Rabbit knows Lizard wants her to succeed.

            She takes a deep breath and sees herself dancing, her feet laced into pretty shoes.  Then she understands the riddle.           “Because I’m leaning over the bridge!” 

            “You are what you think you are, Rabbit.  Never forget that.  You are correct.  Close your eyes and when you open them, you will be dancing on a stage in the city.”