The Goose and the Fox

The enlightened goose descended from the sky and landed before the meditating fox. “Wise fox,” said the goose, “you speak of journeys without end. Today, my journey reaches its next step.” The fox’s eyes glinted. “And what step is that?” The goose spread its wings. “To be devoured. To become part of you, as you are part of the earth, and the earth part of the sky. Nothing is lost. Nothing is wasted.” The fox hesitated. “Do you not fear me?” The goose bowed. “Fear is for those who believe in separation. I am already in the stream, the cloud, and the leaf. To enter you is but another flight.” The fox ate the goose. But when it closed its eyes to rest, the fox heard wings beating within its heart, and it smiled.