Nkalamu The Lion Cries – #WinterABC2022 (Day 8)

“Until the Lion begins to write; the story will always glorify the hunter,” said Chimbwi the hyena.

“What do you think, Chimbwi? You think I haven’t tried?” Nkalamu asked in a shaky voice.

“But you’re a Lion, Nkalamu! Show courage and try again,” retorted Chimbwi.

Nkalamu the Lion found a spot up the tree where he could gaze at to avoid eye contact with Chimbwi. His tears almost dropping, he lifted his head and raised his eyes towards that spot in the tree.

Photo Credit: Hu Chen

Overcome with emotion, Nkalamu was quiet for a while before taking in a deep breath to begin talking.

“What makes you think the audience is interested in my story?”

“You have to try,” Chimbwi pushed.

“So I write my story then what? I compete for the same audience as the hunter – heroe of the masses? My story will just make me look like a jealous individual. This audience loves a hero; not someone who goes against what they have already learnt to love.

“My very first attempt to explain my pain was met with questions of what I thought about the hunter’s handling of his unique spear”

“How can I tell my story when I can’t even write my truth? They expect me to flow with the hunter’s story so that his image remains glorified for injustices done against me,” Nkalamu complained.

“If I told my story; would you believe me? Will you be there to help me share it? I fear that while I try to shout my story with my voice, the hunter will use his star power and influence to reach a bigger audience with a megaphone. My story will not be believed because the hunter will have done a good job of undermining my message.”

Chimbwi interrupted and asked, “What will you do?”

“I have decided to become a hunter also. My strength against weaker animals makes me a mighty conqueror who is loved by audiences. I will rewrite my story.”

And with that, Nkalamu let out a loud roar that made Chimbwi to run for his life. They were no longer friends. One was now a hunter and the other the hunted.

Is the Lion a product of his past, or a prisoner of it?

“Until the audience shows interest in both stories; the Lion’s story will remain untold.”