BWAJA SLEEPS

Big Bwaja was content in this moment. He just felt like resting in the shade for a while. Lately, he enjoyed resting alone and thinking of scenes from his long life. He was contented being alone for many years now, ever since his last great battle with the huge young Jumbaba. He had to retreat in defeat, and knew then that his reign was over and it was time for retirement.

These years had been good for him, though. He had a great knowledge of all the best spots in the region. He knew the best locations to be at as the changing seasons progressed. Sometimes in his solo wanderings he would cross paths with some of his offspring, who would greet him with respect, but quickly say goodbye. The old bull elephants were not welcome with the groups of young and cows.

Life was still good, as all the animals knew and respected him, and granted him his space. Even the lions would just lay there lounging as he passed; they knew it was too dangerous to attack him.

Oh sure, once in a while a pair of inexperienced young males would just think ‘what a lot of meat.” With his still formidable powers he would quickly send them flying, back to their pride, nursing their wounds and bruises. The old lions would just nod, glad the youths had learned a good lesson.

As he slowly fanned himself with his huge ears, he knew. This tiredness wasn’t just from exertion but an allover powerful weakness he hadn’t felt before.

He sensed he was close to that time that he had seen come over others. He had struggled and barely made it out from that last muddy river crossing exhausted and trembling.

He was near the place where his mate, Kumala, had finished her life. That is where he had been heading when he paused to rest. That’s where he also will lie down into that permanent sleep.

The idea was very comforting to him. He would lay down with his memories and give his tired scarred body as a huge farewell feast for all the animals, giving strength to all of his fellow creatures.

All of the animals could sense what was happening. They followed at a respectful distance. The monkeys, uncharacteristically quiet, followed through the trees as Bwaja slowly walked unsteadily and grunted to himself.

The lion pride formed a large circle around him as they followed. They chased off other too-eager predators and kept a space around him as he walked. They knew what was coming and there was no need to rush.

Bwaja was weak and trembling when he recognized and knew this was the place. Several large clean bones were still there from the death of Kumala.

He fondled the bones a few minutes remembering her and then with a deep sigh, lay down and rolled onto his side. As he drifted off into pleasant dreams his breathing became slower and shallower. The surroundings faded and the dreams became more vivid.

The lions didn’t rush in, but slowly closed the circle around him until he could sense their breath on his skin. Two large lions took his throat in their mouths and slowly bit down, not violently—almost tenderly.

With a last breath, his body completely relaxed to rest forever, knowing there would now be a huge feast of celebration for all the creatures.

Through the mysterious communication grapevine of the jungle the word was spread. Bwaja sleeps! All of the creatures assembled and feasted, each in their turn in the rankings of nature. From the lions to the hyenas and jackals and on through the population to include smaller animals, vultures and other birds even unto insects and worms. In time decomposition and rain would return the last flesh from his bones to the earth to nourish the grasses and trees to feed the plant eaters. For many years even his bones would be gnawed to give vital minerals.

Many of the animals assembled for his great feast had their own memories of encounters with Bwaja over the years. All recognized and appreciated this last gift of the great beast, growing new life from old, the true definition of eternal life.

Over the years this spot with the large bones of Bwaja and Kumala became a landmark for the animals. Giving directions it would be said “near the place where Bwaja sleeps”.