After Tortoise, Chameleon beats proud Hare in a race

By Jackson Samoei

One bright morning, Hare was taking a leisure walk around the savannah. The sun grew hot he decided to rest under a shade of a tree. Chameleon was also seeking shade on one of the branches, camouflaged, as is his nature. So good is Chameleon at hiding that if it were not for his greeting, Hare probably would not have noticed his presence.

‘’Mr Hare, how are you?’’ Chameleon called out as his tongue shot out at a fly, which had landed on a nearby leaf.

‘’Oh, is that you, Chameleon? I can see you are still playing your silly tricks on innocent insects,’’ Hare said sarcastically as he set himself to rest under the shade of the tree.

Chameleon did not like Hare’s abusive remarks, but swallowed his pride and rolled his eyes in readiness for his next meal. Below, Hare stared at him in disgust as his next victim, Moth, walked right into the trap. Unable to contain himself, Hare taunted Chameleon on his choice of food. In no time, a huge argument ensued. It got so bad that only a duel would bring it to an end. As usual, Hare insisted on a race confident of an easy win.

We all know how Tortoise cunningly beat Hare in a race by involving her kin. One would think that the incident was enough to force the long-eared rodent to eat humble pie but no, the braggart continued in his ways. Hare knew that the race was ridiculous, but saw it as an opportunity to redeem his battered reputation after losing to Tortoise. For this reason, he insisted that Tortoise be judge.

Tortoise agreed to start the race for them. By this time, all savannah residents had gathered ready to witness the challenge. Chameleon descended from the tree and positioned himself for the race. He offered Hare a few steps head start arguing he wanted to win fair and square. Hare who was as greedy as he was proud hopped at the chance. As the call to start went, Chameleon suddenly changed his colour and melted into the grass. Hare did not care as he sped off to the finish line like a bullet.

Nearly out of breath, Hare crossed the finish and hastily went to rest in the shade of a tree and to wait for loser to arrive. Before he could sit, a feeble voice of Chameleon cautioned him to take care not to sit on him since he was already seated on the grass.

Hare almost fainted at the sight of the Chameleon who appeared not to even have broken a sweat seated calmly. Unable to explain how he was beaten Hare had no choice but to agree with the judge’s declaration of Chameleon winner of the race. What everyone failed to notice, however, was his own his fur on Chameleon’s claws.

Moral teaching: Never underestimate anybody’s ability.