We Live in a Jungle
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The end of chapter 2It may never be known who was the first Beast of prey. What is known is that their paradise was lost. And overnight, violence became a way of life. There was another tragic outcome of their paradise lost. With each passing year, the Beast of prey increased in numbers. Within three generations, they were able to seize dominion over the kingdom. Today, they are known as the Meat Eaters. The Saber-toothed Tiger was on the prowl. He was hungry and mean, which was nothing new for this jungle Beast. His meanness became so severe, even against his own kind, that the other Tigers banned him from the pack. Over time, they declared him an Outlaw. The hunter became the hunted. The past three years saw the Tiger become a vicious loaner, devouring anyone who crossed his path. Now old and slow, the Saber’s victims were limited to the weak and helpless. Nearby, a young Creature was making her way through the tall grass. Although sharp of eye, she was deep in thought. In the jungle, more times than not, that could be fatal. The Saber-toothed Tiger, concealed from view, flicked his pointed ears. “Ah, it’s a little Rabbit. He’ll do quite nicely for my morning meal.” The Tiger, without making a sound, crouched on his powerful hindquarters, ready to strike. What he lacked in quickness was compensated by his cunning. The unsuspecting Rabbit appeared to be just one more helpless victim to be devoured by one mean, hungry Beast. With his two long, protruding fangs, the Saber waited. And waited. Now! The Beast leaped with his slashing, sharp claws. But he captured nothing but empty space. The wide-eyed Rabbit, her ears thumping frantically, was ready to dash off to safety. Still terrified, she hesitated when she realized that her would-be assailant was the outlawed Tiger, now old and dying. Mortified, the Saber-toothed Tiger growled, “How’d you do that? I planned my leap perfectly.” The young Rabbit flicked her long ears, then stared at the Beast with a confident grin. “What you didn’t see was my famous side step. I was quicker than your eye. Right?” “That you were,” groaned the big Cat. “But in my prime, you would have been an easy morsel to entice my hearty appetite. You would have been dead meat.” “That we’ll never know,” countered the bold Rabbit. “But with my famous jack-rabbit starts, I have my doubts if there was ever a time you could have nabbed me. I’m sooome Rabbit!” Then, with a quick afterthought, she mocked, “From what I’ve heard, your appetite was well beyond hearty. It was greedy and vicious. But it doesn't really matter, for your saber rattling days are over." “You’re a brazen one, aren’t you?” sneered the Tiger. “I have a lot to be thankful for,” replied the self-assured Rabbit. Unknown to the Rabbit, as she went on boasting about her quickness, the sly, old Saber was thinking of his youth . Unnoticed, he quietly shifted his weight to his powerful hind legs, planning one more mighty leap to snag one arrogant Rabbit. In mid-sentence, the Rabbit saw the Tiger leap with his outstretched claws. When the wild Beast came down with a heavy thud, he had nothing to show for his mighty effort but a cloud of dust. This time the Rabbit, more startled than afraid, had sidestepped the slow and awkward Saber with ease. The Tiger was furious as he turned to a grinning Rabbit. “Did you see my famous side step that time, old brute? Or was I again too fast for your tired eyes?” Her strident laugh added insult to the Tiger’s wounded pride. The enraged Beast glared at his little antagonist. “You’re a cocky one, but your days are - - -” “I’ve heard that before,” interrupted the Rabbit with a defiant flick of her ears. “And from younger and faster Beasts than you, old demon.” The big Cat, his hateful stare still fixed on the little Rabbit, roared his contempt. “I would gladly give up a tasty meal to have the satisfaction of seeing you in a chase with the Cheetah.” For one solid moment, there was fear in the Rabbit’s eyes, for no one outruns the Cheetah. The Rabbit shook herself free, then said with a sly grin, “Old demon, from the looks of you, you’ve had your last meal.” The Tiger swished his tail viciously, but before he could react, he heard the Rabbit assert, “Your fate is there in your eyes, the slow agony of hunger or to be devoured by your own kind. I feel no pity for you.” The Saber lifted up his head and growled, “Conceited imp. You have much to learn about survival. Today was your day. I’ve been beaten and I’ll take your mocking laugh to my grave. But I’m a proud warrior. You could have left me with my pride.” The Rabbit held her head high. Her sharp eyes narrowed their focus on the wild Cat. “You lost your pride long ago when you became greedy and devoured your own kind. You’re no warrior. You’re a savage, vicious Beast! No matter how painful your death, you deserve whatever you get.” The old Tiger never once stopped glaring at his young tormentor, but he knew his days were numbered. “You miserable scamp, may your death be near and as tragic as mine. That’s my curse on you.” Then in an effort to regain the spirit of his youth, the embittered Saber-toothed Tiger flexed his muscular shoulders and raised his head high. With a low growl, he turned and disappeared into the brush, leaving the young Rabbit to contemplate her own fate.
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About the Book
There is a land called the Jungle Kingdom. It was once a paradise where the strong and the weak could live together without fear. Then suddenly, and without warning, a few of the strongest Creatures became predators. With each passing year, their numbers increased, now dominating the land. Today, they are known as the Meat Eaters.
A young and precocious Rabbit, named “Rapid” Roberta, is determined to save the kingdom from the increasing numbers of the Meat Eaters. To do so, Roberta will need to overcome her own inner “demons” and the forces of Nature.
With her courageous effort to save the kingdom from the Meat Eaters, Roberta must find Cyrus the Great Horned Owl, who is considered the wisest and most compassionate Creature who has ever lived. To find Cyrus, Roberta must journey through the Dark Forest, which is under the shroud of a deadly curse.
Also challenging Roberta’s hopes of regaining their lost paradise, is the vicious, outlawed Tiger and the enraged Cheetah, the fastest Creature in the kingdom, who has threatened to have Roberta’s fury hide. Then, too, there are the giant-sized Gorillas, the majestic King Lion and his Golden Horde, and Queen Cobra, known as the Mean Queen.
With a zealous desire to fulfill her quest, Roberta will meet Tiny, a shy and cautious Turtle, who would rather stay in his shell than enter the Dark Forest. When they discover that there is some one “above” and “beyond” their Cyrus the Great, they are devastated.
This story seems to have a dark side. However, it is subdued by the love, compassion, and humor found on almost every page. Throughout the story, there are twists and turns, and a mystery that will keep the readers guessing: (With the qualities of love, compassion, and awareness,) who is The Elder that is above all living Creatures? And the primary question is: What actions are taken by The Elder in an effort to overcome the threat of the Meat Eaters?
About the Author
Since 1952, I have taken a variety of college courses in history and psychology that have given me a keen understanding of human nature. This knowledge, plus an awareness of my inner ability to communicate complex ideas and events, provides me with a sound foundation to write We Live in a Jungle and the next four books that will soon follow. (Also I have a good thesaurus.)
I graduated from San Diego State College in 1958 and then, several years later, I completed my masters in health education and history. Besides teaching high school (1958–1991), I also taught psychology with the San Diego Adult Program from 1977 to 1997.
I live in sunny San Diego where it never rains. Well, almost never. Only at night, if it dares. I live alone with a broken TV. This gives me extra time to write, which I am enjoying immensely. Today, writing has become my “fountain of youth.” I truly enjoy spending time with my youngest son and his family of four, including my two grandchildren. (I also ride my bike daily, spend quality time at the gym, and plan to do some swimming this summer.)