The Banyan Deer

Once upon a time, in a big, green forest that probably smelled like fresh cookies after rain, there were two herds of deer. These weren't the kind of deer that just nibbled grass and ran away. No siree! These were the cool kids of the forest.

Leading one herd was King Banyan Deer. He had fur so shiny it looked like someone gave him a glitter bath. "Hey, I'm not just any deer," he'd wink, "I've got the style and the brain!"

Then there was King Branch Deer, whose antlers looked like the prettiest tree you ever did see. "Life is like a big maze," he’d often say. "But hey, have you checked out my cool antlers?"

Now, these two, King Banyan and King Branch, were like Batman and Robin of the deer world. Best buddies. Besties. BFFs. You get the idea.

But close by, there was a city with a king who loved to play tag with animals. And not the fun kind of tag. The kind where he chased them. A lot.

So, our deer heroes decided to have a little chat with Mr. Chasey King. Strutting into the palace like they owned the place, King Banyan said, "Hey, Mr. King! Chasing is fun, but maybe we could play a different game?"

King Branch added, "Yeah, I mean, it's tough looking cool when you're always on the run, right?"

Mr. Chasey King thought for a moment. "Okay, how about one deer comes to my palace each day, and we'll play a gentler game?"

Deal made! Deer from each group took turns visiting. But one day, a momma deer with a baby was up. "King Banyan," she said with big, teary eyes, "Can I have a little more time? Just till my baby learns how to hop and skip?"

King Banyan, being the big-hearted deer he was, said, "You know what? I’ll go play with Mr. Chasey King today." And off he went, ready to play a game.

When Mr. Chasey King saw King Banyan ready to play, his eyes went big. "King Banyan? Why are you here? You're like... the superhero of the forest!"

King Banyan gave a big, toothy grin. "Sometimes, you gotta show a little love, Mr. King."

Seeing this brave deer, Mr. Chasey King decided, "No more chasing games, ever! Let's play hide and seek or duck-duck-goose!"

King Banyan did a happy dance. "Now that's a game I can get behind!"

From that day on, the forest was the happiest place, where everyone played fun games and no one had to run away. Every creature was laughing, playing, and if you put your ear to the ground, you might even hear the worms giggling.

Two deer kings in a forest so grand,
One with gold fur, the other antlers that spanned.
Friends they were, wise and true,
Leading their herds, through and through.

Close by a city, where a king loved to chase,
Scaring the deer, in that forested space.
Banyan Deer and Branch Deer thought, "This isn't fair!"
"To the human king's palace, we must go there."

"Your Majesty," they said, "we see you love the chase,
But our herds are afraid all over the place.
Can we find a way, so all can be well?"
The human king agreed, a new plan to tell.

"Send one deer a day, to my palace here,
No need to run, no more need to fear."
Both deer kings nodded, it seemed a fair trade,
So every day, a visit one deer made.

But then came a day, oh, what could be done?
A mommy deer worried for her newborn son.
"Please," she begged, "let me stay by his side,"
Till he’s big and strong, and doesn’t need to hide."

So Banyan Deer, with a heart pure and true,
Went to the palace, the king's eyes grew.
"Your bravery," said the king, "has opened my eyes,
No more hunting deer, it's not very wise."

"Promise me more," said Banyan, taking his stand,
"Let’s make this forest a safe, peaceful land."
The king agreed, extending his vow,
To protect all creatures, starting right now.

So thanks to Banyan, wise and dear,
All animals lived without any fear.
In that happy forest, they now reside,
Learning kindness and love, far and wide.