The Monkey and Two Cats (An ancient fable with a modern twist)

This is a wise tale come down from yore,
I am aware it’s been told and told before.
But it’s sensible to dip our heads once more,
Into old wisdom upon which we set great store....

There lived in great and mighty US of A,
A clever monkey with a head of hair like hay,
Although he and his kin lived on a large tree,
They called him a ‘Bush’, or plain Georgie.

Don’t be fooled by Georgie’s often spiritual mein,
He ruled the whole world like a gigantic machine,
He would snap his fingers and armies would rush,
And world leaders bow before the mighty Bush.

He would curl his lips and his bombs would scatter,
Like seeds in the air, cruise missile and daisy cutter.
Now it was the only ambition of Bharat’s cat raja,
To shake hands with this creature often called Dubya.

That ambition also filled his feline neighbour’s breast,
Pakistan’s general was driven by the very same lust.
To this end both leaders packed their bags and their pride,
In their battle with each other they wanted Bush on their side.

As they flew through the skies they rehearsed their speech,
They were both willing to bow, scrape, prostrate and beseech.
Georgie Ape, ever the good host, met them with fanfare,
He feted both cats, wined and dined them with care.

The military feline from Pak caterwauled his complaint,
That Bully across the Border was showing no restraint.
‘‘My Lord Monkey, you know how I am your loyal servitor,
I’ve been your toady, boot-licker, now do me a small favour.

Kick my neighbour in the shins so that he desists from firing,
My lord, it’s so cruel,’’ the general conveyed through whining.
The poetic cat from this side of the border fell at Bush’s shoes,
‘‘My Lord George, you must keep in mind our sentiments and views.

If you want to fight terrorism, it’s that tomcat you should scare,
As for army bases and support for your Afghan war, we’re there.
Any time, any place,’’ said Bharat’s rajah, and he prostrated,
Was it a bow or a kowtow, policy wonks and the media debated.

Georgie Ape pretended to listen and looked at both cats by turn,
But if truth be told their caterwauling only filled him with scorn.
The cat on his left snarled at his neighbour, ‘‘You old sadist,’’
The cat on his right snarled back, ‘‘You cross border terrorist.’’

The be-medalled feline on his left spat at and clawed the air,
The feline on his right in bandgala spat bhack with poetic flair.
‘‘Sadist.’’ ‘‘Cross-border terrorist.’’ Words flew back and forth,

The Monkey just sat back with a yawn and watched them froth.
‘‘Bangle-wearer.’’‘‘Bangle-wearer.’’ they loudly shriek,
Old Georgie, the monkey, used the opportunity to sleep.
He woke up 60 minutes later but the cat-fight was still waging,
The air was full of damnation and curses with feline fur flying.

Ape Bush finally decided that it was time to take a stand,
This unholy row must come to an end before it gets out of hand.
He cleared his throat loudly and both cats became quiet as mice,
‘‘My lord, what’s your wish?’’ they asked, seeming suddenly so nice.

Ape Bush cleared his throat and began, ‘‘Well, it’s a matter of pride,
That you folks have spontaneously chosen to fight on the right side.
You will get your rewards for your actions, make no mistake,
But for now you must listen carefully to what I have to state.

Don’t for the moment ask what America can do for you,
Rather spend time thinking of what you can do for America too.’’
At his words, the tomcats bowed deep and like kittens purred,
Quietly they departed with not a remonstrative squeak heard.

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