Damsels Overcome

Raven helped herself to the farmer’s food whenever she wanted. In her usual upright matter, Raven hopped in the creek, turning over stones looking for worms. Rooster crowed, "Come to Farmer Feast, all who are invited." Over and over, annoying Raven, she flew next to Rooster, who stood on the gatepost into the farm. "Rooster, why do you work for the farmer?"

"Well, I get food, safety, and prestige. You, Raven, are a thief. I saw you steal the farmer's corn. You are not invited. I gave a special invite to all the animals with the best offerings for the farm." With those words, Rooster crowed and flew into the trees on the farm.

Raven turned to the farm to fly inside, when she heard a great rustling and looked at the woods. Here came Bear running along the road. Raven waited for Bear on an old stump by the gate. Bear, while not the smartest, was a good friend. "Why are you here, Bear?"

"I am invited to come to a feast, special for me. I am pleased and honored. I awoke early this morning to comb my hair, which is always messy."

"Your hair is thick and the most beautiful in the woods; you are invited for your thick full hair and rough skin.”

"Bear stopped and looked at Raven.

"Don't go,” cried Raven. “You will never come out, you have the fur that every human wants on their floor. You will be kept in a cage, then killed and skinned for your fur. I know; I see what the farmer does."

"Raven, you were not invited."

"The fur is yours, not mine. I have these black feathers, not good to anyone." Raven flew into the air.

Bear thought, “Raven is right.” He turned from the gate and walked on the road through the woods back to his cave.