اشعار بهرام بهرامی

ای رستگاری! ناز با این مردم زیرک نکن!

هر خزّه را ماهی و ماهی را کم از جلبک نکن!

✔

یا من تو را شاعر کنم، یا تو مرا صاحب نظر

بین من و تو یک نفر، باید بمیرد، شک نکن!

✔

مقصد ندارد تا بخواهد راه را هم گم کند!

ای کاج دانش تکیه بر، احساس؛ این پیچک نکن!

✔

یک عمر فقط حسّ اسارت کرده!

از جلبک و خزه ها شکایت کرده!

دریای به این بزرگی اما ماهی؛

به دیدن یک گوشه اش عادت کرده!

بهرام بهرامی

جادو همه منتظر که تا کرده شود!

تا بر لبی آرزویی آورده شود!

خود غول چراغ آرزویید فقط

خواهش بکنید تا برآورده شود!

بهرام بهرامی

می جنبی و مرده ها همه می جنبند!

می لولی و پا به پای تو می لولند!

آن وقت به جای دیدن منبع زور!

بر طبل منم منم منم می کوبند!

بهرام بهرامی

شعر، که با نام‌هایی مانند سُرود، نَشید، چامه یا چکامه نیز شناخته می‌شود، یکی از شاخه‌های اصلی ادبیات است که از ویژگی‌های زیبایی‌شناختی و اغلب ریتمیک زبان استفاده می‌کند. شعر با شعور هم‌خانواده است و در واقع، احساس را به معنا تبدیل می‌کند. دهخدا، ادیب و لغت‌شناس بزرگ ایرانی، در یادداشت‌های خود دربارهٔ شعر می‌نویسد: «چکامه، چغامه، چامه، نَشید، نظام، سخن منظوم، منظومه، قریض. ظاهراً ایرانیان را قِسمی سرود یا شعر بوده و خود آنان یا عرب آن را «هَنَیمَه» می‌نامیده‌اند.» او همچنین اشاره می‌کند که قدیمی‌ترین شعر ایرانی که به دست ما رسیده است، گاتاهای زرتشت است که نوعی شعر هجایی محسوب می‌شود.

تعریف شعر

شاعران و منتقدان در طول تاریخ تعریف‌های گوناگون و بی‌شماری از شعر ارائه داده‌اند. در تعریف‌های سنتی دربارهٔ شعر کهن فارسی، ویژگی اصلی شعر را موزون و آهنگین بودن آن دانسته‌اند و معتقدند که شعر باید حق مطلب را به زیباترین شیوه ممکن ادا کند. در برخی تعریف‌های دیگر، شعر با دانش، فهم، درک، ادراک و وقوف یکی انگاشته شده است.

احمد شاملو، متخلص به الف. بامداد و الف. صبح، یکی از برجسته‌ترین چهره‌های ادبیات معاصر ایران است. او که در ۲۱ آذر ۱۳۰۴ به دنیا آمد و در ۲ مرداد ۱۳۷۹ درگذشت، نه تنها شاعری بزرگ، بلکه فیلم‌نامه‌نویس، روزنامه‌نگار، پژوهشگر، مترجم و فرهنگ‌نویس نیز بود. شاملو به‌عنوان بنیان‌گذار قالب شعری موسوم به «شعر سپید»، تحولی بزرگ در شعر نو فارسی پس از شعر نیمایی ایجاد کرد و از این رو به او لقب «پدر شعر سپید فارسی» داده شده است.

زندگی و تحصیلات

شاملو تحصیلات مدرسه‌ای منظمی نداشت، چرا که پدرش افسر ارتش بود و خانواده‌اش به دلیل مأموریت‌های پدر، مدام از شهری به شهر دیگر نقل مکان می‌کردند. این بی‌ثباتی جغرافیایی باعث شد شاملو نتواند تحصیلات رسمی و پیوسته‌ای داشته باشد. در سال ۱۳۲۲، او به دلیل فعالیت‌های سیاسی زندانی شد و این اتفاق نقطه‌پایانی بر همان تحصیلات نامنظم او بود.

شعر سپید و نوآوری در ادبیات

شعر «شبانه» با مطلع «مرا/تو/بی‌سببی/نیستی» یکی از مشهورترین و زیباترین شعرهای احمد شاملو، شاعر بزرگ معاصر ایران است. این شعر در فروردین ۱۳۵۱ سروده شد و از جمله اشعاری است که در مجموعه‌ای به نام «شبانه‌ها» جای گرفته‌اند. شاملو در این شعر با زبانی آهنگین و تصاویری پراحساس، عشق و ستایش معشوق را به شکلی بی‌نظیر به تصویر می‌کشد. شعر «شبانه» نه تنها از نظر محتوایی عمیق و تأمل‌برانگیز است، بلکه از نظر ساختار زبانی و موسیقی کلمات نیز نمونه‌ای درخشان از هنر شعری شاملو به شمار می‌رود. در ادامه، متن کامل این شعر را می‌خوانیم و سپس به نقد و بررسی آن می‌پردازیم.

---

متن شعر «شبانه» اثر احمد شاملو

مرا تو بی سببی نیستی
مرا تو
بی سببی

نیستی.

به راستی

صلت ِ کدام قصیده ای
ای غزل؟

ستاره باران ِ جواب ِ کدام سلامی به آفتاب
از دریچه تاریک؟

نمایش متن

40

They set off and went on their way. When they reached near the herd of zebras, Noghreh Naal found a spot to rest, and Kakooti approached the herd leader. When he found him, he said, “I have an important message from Noghreh Naal for you.”

The herd leader asked, “What is this important message?”

Kakooti moved closer and whispered in the leader’s ear, “It’s a very important matter, Chief! Noghreh Naal needs to speak to you privately.”

According to their previous practice, Kakooti delivered this message with such seriousness that the leader was completely convinced.

He asked, “Where is Noghreh Naal now?”

Kakooti replied, “He’s nearby. We chose a quiet place where we can talk comfortably.”

The leader said, “Then if it’s so important, let’s hurry and go.”

They went and found Noghreh Naal in a lush, valley-like area. Upon seeing the herd leader, Noghreh Naal immediately got up and approached him.

The leader asked, “What important thing did you want to tell me, Noghreh Naal?”

Noghreh Naal looked around and then moved closer to the leader, speaking very softly as if he were afraid someone else might hear him. He spoke in such a way that even Kakooti couldn’t make out his words.

He said, “Chief! I have a plan that can save the animals of this jungle from being hunted by the hunters!”

The Chief asked in surprise, “Really? What plan?”

Paghandeh was also unconsciously speaking softly with him.

Noghreh Naal paused for a moment and then said, “But I want everyone to know that I came up with this plan.”

Paghandeh replied, “Don’t worry, Noghreh Naal. I will tell everyone that you came up with this plan.”

Noghreh Naal said, “That’s why I wanted to ask you to gather the other herd leaders so I can present my plan in front of them.”

The Chief said, “It can’t be done like this. I won’t do it until you tell me.”

Noghreh Naal replied, “I can only explain a little about it.”

Suddenly, Paghandeh said loudly, “Why are you talking so quietly? No one here can hear us.”

Noghreh Naal continued to speak softly, deceiving the Chief into thinking he had an important and significant plan. Of course, he was somewhat justified in this.

He said, “We need to be very careful, Chief!”

Paghandeh was being influenced by Noghreh Naal’s performance. According to the plan, while Noghreh Naal was speaking with the Chief, Kakooti was supposed to move back and turn away, as if he were watching the surroundings to ensure no one was eavesdropping. All of this convinced the Chief that the matter was important. The goal was to persuade the Chief to take Noghreh Naal to meet the other herd leaders. This event could serve as a significant launching pad for Noghreh Naal’s fame and reputation in the jungle.

The Bigfoot, completely captivated by Silver Hoof's performance, asked in a soft voice and a whisper, "Okay, at least explain the plan a little."

Silver Hoof whispered back, "It's a plan called the win-win game. It means both parties can come to an agreement without any conflict arising."

The Bigfoot asked in surprise, "Really?"

Silver Hoof remained silent and stared at the chief.

The Bigfoot said, "If that's the case, then it could be a good plan."

Silver Hoof replied, "So, is it accepted? Can you help me present my idea to the leaders of the herds?"

The chief nodded.

41

The leader of the zebras approached each of the herd leaders and invited them to hear a very good plan to end all the crises in the jungle. The leaders of the buffalo and bison accepted, but the deer and gazelle declined, stating that due to the opposition of the buffalo and bison to their decision to fight, they would not participate in the leaders’ meetings until further notice.

As a result, the meeting was formed with only three herd leaders and Noghreh Naal. The bison said to Noghreh Naal, “You better make sure that the plan you have is worth bringing us this far. Otherwise, it will cost you dearly and be detrimental to your herd.” His threat was serious.

Noghreh Naal cleared his throat and said, “Friends! Listen carefully as I present to you the brilliant idea that has come to my mind to solve the problems of this jungle. First, I must tell you that Sheba’s decision to fight the hunters may seem like a good decision at first glance, but as you surely know, this decision is fraught with dangerous consequences and may lead to the opposite result of what they expect.”

The wrinkled ear was quite pleased with Noghreh Naal’s words.

He said, “Well said! What a young zebra, yet experienced and mature!”

The Bloodshot Eye, seeing that the wrinkled ear was praising Noghreh Naal, immediately felt jealous and said, “I wish a single hair of yours was on Sheba’s head, young zebra!”

Noghreh Naal cleared his throat again and said, “Thank you!”

He continued, “Friends and elders of the Emerald Jungle! What would you say if I told you that I have a plan where the hunters will no longer need to hunt in this jungle?”

The Bloodshot Eye, the wrinkled ear, and Paghandeh hummed in response, and the Bloodshot Eye said, “Is that even possible, zebra?”

Noghreh Naal cleverly replied, “You haven’t heard my plan yet! If you hear my plan and then see that it’s impossible, then you can say whether it can be done or not!”

The wrinkled ear said, “I wish the leaders of the deer and gazelles were here to hear this important news.”

The Bloodshot Eye said, somewhat annoyed, “It’s still unclear what his plan is. Let’s wait and hear the plan first!”

Seeing the silence that the Bloodshot Eye had deliberately created to hear the final word, Noghreh Naal gathered his thoughts and said, “To be honest, my plan is that we agree with the hunters not to hunt us, and in return…”

He paused, then continued, “In return, for this favor they do for us, whenever one of the herbivores dies of natural causes, we will take the carcass to the hunters.”

Noghreh Naal fell silent and looked at the herd leaders, who were deep in thought. Then he said, “Look, friends and elders of the Emerald Forest! I have estimated and realized that on average, we lose three to four of our dear herbivores daily due to old age, natural death, and sometimes illness. They die in remote corners of the forest, and most of those carcasses end up being eaten by vultures. Why? Because vultures can fly and find the carcasses quickly. I think that if there were no vultures, the hunters themselves could find the dead animals. If this happened, none of the hunting animals would hunt anymore. Why? Because their bellies would be easily filled, and hunting is hard work. It requires a lot of energy and focus. But if their food was easily found, they would never hunt. Instead, they would roam around the forest and find their food, which would also be easy to locate.”

Noghreh Naal fell silent again, as the leaders were listening intently to his words.

He continued, "In my opinion, the phenomenon of the emergence of hunters has developed throughout the history of animal life. In ancient times, when animals died, some animals began to eat the carcasses. First, the vultures appeared, and the phenomenon of scavenging was born. Gradually, scavenger animals became accustomed to eating meat, and their stomachs adapted to this food. They could no longer eat grass. Because of this, they started killing other animals to fill their bellies.

He paused for a moment and said, “I believe that if we herbivorous animals try to always let the hunters eat our dead, they will forget how to hunt. Because hunting is a skill that must be learned in adolescence. If for several generations the hunters have free and easy food available, I think by the third or fourth generation, they will lose the skill of hunting and gradually turn to eating fruits. After a few more generations, once their stomachs are fully accustomed to eating fruits, they will also develop the ability to eat grass. In this way, by implementing this plan, we can guarantee that carnivorous behavior and the ugly phenomenon of hunting will be eradicated from nature forever for several more generations!”

As Noghreh Naal finished speaking, the herd leaders, who were greatly pleased by his words and the philosophy he had explained about the emergence of hunting, suddenly began to praise him.

The Bloodshot Eye kept saying, “Well done, zebra! Well done, zebra!”

The wrinkled ear said, “Hail to you, dear Noghreh Naal. You are truly a savior while some are seeking war and mischief!”

Paghandeh also said, “Well done, my son! You bring pride to the zebras. You have elevated the herd; well done. What beautiful words you spoke! Well done!”

The meeting concluded, and it was decided to take a break and reconvene in the afternoon to make necessary decisions. The buffalo, in response to the wrinkled ear’s question about whether they should inform the deer and gazelle, said, “No. Let this great honor be ours alone!”

Silver Hoof happily shared the good news with Kakooti. Kakooti was thrilled and said that you had come up with an incredible plan. This way, the hunters could eat meat, and no other animals would be killed. Then he said, "I just realized what a win-win game means."

42

Chapter Five: The Bridge

In the afternoon, Noghreh Naal went back to the herd leader to attend the meeting of the jungle leaders together. On the way, the herd leader never tired of praising and admiring Noghreh Naal, saying that his actions had brought honor to them in the jungle and that from now on, zebras would gain significant respect in the forest, and he went on about this at length.

At the meeting, Noghreh Naal stated that he intended to be present when they met with the hunters and presented their proposal. The Bloodshot Eye also said that this was his right. “You made this constructive proposal, and you should be there to defend against any issues that might arise!”

However, the Wrinkled Ear asked, “How are we going to communicate with the hunters? What if they attack us?”

The Bloodshot Eye replied, “Don’t worry about that, Wrinkled Ear. We’ll take our best guards with us.”

Paghandeh asked, “So who is going to go and set up the meeting with them?”

Everyone fell silent. No one had anything to say except for Noghreh Naal.

Noghreh Naal said, “Well, I’ve thought this through.”

Wrinkled Ear, who was growing fonder of Noghreh Naal as time passed, excitedly asked, “What do you have in mind, dear Noghreh Naal?”

Noghreh Naal replied, “The fox is the only animal that lives among us and also among the hunters. We can ask the fox to deliver our message to the lion.”

Once again, everyone admired Noghreh Naal’s intelligence, and in response to his suggestion, they entrusted the task to him.

Noghreh Naal happily went to find his friend Kakooti. He found him and shared the good news. Then they set off together to find the fox so he could send their important message to the lion.

43

Finally, after two days of searching, they found Khakestari talking to an old giraffe. They waited for Khakestari to distance himself from the giraffe. Once that happened, they rushed over to Khakestari and asked him to wait. Khakestari stopped and asked, “What do you want, zebra? What do you two zebras want with me?”

Noghreh Naal said, “I have been tasked by the leaders of the herds in this jungle to send someone to deliver a message to the lion. If you accept this task, I will give you the location of a fat, old rabbit’s burrow.”

Khakestari thought for a moment and asked, “What message?”

Noghreh Naal replied, “The message you need to deliver to the lion is that the leaders of the herds have something important to discuss with him and would like to meet and talk.”

Khakestari pondered Noghreh Naal’s words again and asked, “Well, what important thing do the leaders of the jungle have to say to the lion?”

Noghreh Naal said, “I don’t know that. They didn’t tell me what the important matter is. They just instructed me to find someone to do this for them.”

Although Khakestari felt tempted by the promise of the rabbit, he held himself back and said, “I’m not who you think I am.”

Then he turned and walked away.

Noghreh Naal ran and stood in front of Khakestari. Khakestari stopped as well. Noghreh Naal said, “Why? Aren’t you friends with the lion? Everyone in this jungle knows that you associate and are friends with the hunters.”

Khakestari replied, “That was back when these events hadn’t happened in the jungle yet.”

Noghreh Naal asked, “What difference does it make now?”

Khakestari replied, “It seems you don’t understand what’s happening. Sheba is going to form an army soon and attack all the hunters in the jungle. I’ve decided to keep my distance from the lion, wolf, and hyena. I no longer have any relations with them. Now do you understand the situation?”

Noghreh Naal said, “Look, fox! I’m about to become the leader of the zebra herd soon. After that, I’m going to reach bigger and more important places in this jungle. I promise you that when I reach the position I deserve, I will repay you for everything you do!”

Khakestari, playing the role of the zebra to extract as much accurate information as possible, mocked him, saying, “Oh! So you’re going to set up a whole organization soon. Are you planning to form a rescue group like Sheba?”

Upon hearing Sheba’s name, the zebra frowned and said, “Don’t mention Sheba. What does that fool think? Can she stop the wolf, lion, and hyena from hunting? Do you really think a carnivorous animal can just stop eating meat?”

Khakestari was taken aback by the zebra’s words. It was the first time he had seen someone speak so boldly against Sheba in these past few days. He was gradually becoming convinced that the zebra was indeed the envy he had been looking for.

He said, “Of course, a carnivore can’t just stop eating meat. I really liked what you said, zebra.”

Noghreh Naal immediately replied, “Look, fox. I presented a plan to the leaders of the jungle that would allow the hunters to always have meat while ensuring that no animal gets hunted anymore.”

Noghreh Naal suddenly fell deep in thought. Without realizing it, he had said something he shouldn’t have. He frowned, and it was clear that he was upset with himself.

Khakestari closely observed the zebra’s body language. Now, Noghreh Naal had to figure out how to manage the blunder he had just made.

He said, “Listen, fox. I like you. It’s clear that you have both courage and intelligence. You are useful. I want to reach great heights of success with you, and in the process, you’ll achieve a lot too, as long as you appreciate the opportunities.”

Khakestari said, “You mentioned you have a plan that allows the hunting animals not to be hunted while still being able to eat meat?”

Noghreh Naal grimaced again and said, “Of course! A new plan filled with peace and tranquility for all parties involved.”

Khakestari replied, “You’re either a foolish dreamer or a genius.”

Noghreh Naal immediately said, “The second option is correct, fox. It’s in your best interest that we get to the point quickly. You’re missing out on great benefits.”

Khakestari felt he had played Noghreh Naal enough to pique his interest. Even if this zebra was a foolish and crazy one spouting nonsense, he was still one of the best options for gathering detailed news for the mission.

He said, “Alright, zebra. I’ll give you a chance. If you can prove that you’re not rambling and that you genuinely have a mission from the herd leaders to find someone to deliver a message to the lion, then I’ll cooperate with you. But there are a few conditions.”

Noghreh Naal asked, “What conditions?”

Khakestari said, “One is that you get a guarantee from the leaders of the jungle that if Sheba or anyone else fights the lion and the others and succeeds, they won’t have anything to do with me.”

Noghreh Naal replied, “Agreed. We’ll go to them right now, and they’ll give you the mission, and you can set this condition for them. I’m sure they’ll accept.”

With this statement, Khakestari became more convinced that Noghreh Naal wasn’t just playing him. It seemed he truly had a task from the herd leaders to appoint him to deliver a message to the lion.

He continued, “The second condition is that after I complete this mission for the jungle leaders, you will help me catch twenty rabbits.”

This condition was quite heavy for Noghreh Naal. However, his ambitions allowed him to commit any treachery or crime.

He said, “Ten rabbits.”

Gray said, "Fifteen. If it's less than that, I won't accept."

Silver Hoof had to agree. He said, "Fine. Fifteen rabbits. But make sure this doesn’t slip out of your mouth to anyone."

Gray replied, "Do you think you’re dealing with?"

Silver Hoof said, "I just wanted to put my mind at ease."

Gray added, "Of course, that's fifteen rabbits excluding the old rabbit you promised."

Silver Hoof said, "I know."

Gray remarked, "I just wanted to make sure."

44

Chapter Six: The Darkness Before Dawn

Khakestari, along with Noghreh Naal and Kakooti, made their way to the meeting place of the herbivore herd leaders in the forest. Noghreh Naal left Khakestari and Kakooti at the same lush valley where he had met his own herd leader, so he could go and bring the leaders of the forest to them. After an hour, Noghreh Naal returned with the leaders of the three herds.

The Bloodshot Eye said, “Alright, so you’re the fox who is going to deliver our message to the lion?”

Khakestari replied, “Yes. But I told Noghreh Naal that there is a condition.”

The Bloodshot Eye said, “I know. Noghreh Naal mentioned that you want to ensure your safety if something happens against the hunters. Rest assured, fox. You will be considered our friend for what you are doing for us. Moreover, we intend to put a stop to Sheba’s foolishness. We want to prevent a war. If a war does break out, we promise that not only will we not harm you, but we will also look out for you.”

Paghandeh and the wrinkled ear echoed the Bloodshot Eye’s words, assuring him that he would be regarded as one of their friends, as long as he carried their messages to the lion or anyone else they were unable to meet.

Khakestari promised that he would cooperate. According to Noghreh Naal’s plan, Khakestari had to pretend that he didn’t know what Noghreh Naal and the herd leaders’ scheme for the hunters was. Therefore, he asked, “May I ask what topic you are going to discuss with the lion? Because the lion will surely ask me what important matter you have.”

The buffalo said: "If he asks you what we want to say, tell him that we have a proposal to prevent unnecessary war and bloodshed. Tell him that we are not in favor of what Shiba wants to do either. If it weren't for the fact that many animals in the forest support Shiba, we would have already put him in his place. Do you remember this, Fox?"

The gray one replied: "Of course."

The buffalo continued: "Also, tell them that we have a better proposal that we need to present in person. A proposal that they will definitely like and can establish peace in this forest forever."

The gray one said: "I will definitely say it."

The wrinkled ear added: "So don't waste time, Fox. Go quickly and deliver our message to the lion."

The gray one exchanged a meaningful glance with Silver Hoof and left the place.

45

When the wolf heard the message from the leaders of the herds, he asked Khakestari, “Do you know what proposal they have?”

Khakestari replied, “I wasn’t supposed to know. But fortunately, the loose-tongued zebra let it slip and told me.”

The wolf said, “Well? What is it that they want to propose to prevent war and bloodshed?”

Khakestari said, “They plan to propose that from now on, the hunters eat the animals that die of natural causes! They want to promise that any animal that dies will not be left to be eaten by the vultures, but will be shared with the hunting animals.”

The wolf fell into thought upon hearing this plan from the herbivores. He had an expression that seemed to indicate he was both pleased with the idea and opposed to it.

The hyena said, “That’s great! This will solve all our problems, won’t it?”

The lion replied, “This way, we can always have meat without the trouble of hunting. And the herbivorous animals will live comfortably!”

Then he turned to Khakestari and asked, “Do you know whose idea this was?”

Khakestari said, “Well, obviously. This idea came from the zebra.”

The lion said, “Interesting! So this zebra is a genius, and no one knew about it!”

Then he turned to the wolf and asked, “Well, this doesn’t require much thought, Tondar! We’ll hold a meeting with them and accept their proposal.”

The wolf said, “Don’t judge too quickly, friends! This plan isn’t as great as you think.”

The hyena asked, “How so? Where’s the problem?”

The wolf replied, “For example, how do we know that animals will die regularly and consistently? What if there are no deaths for a week? What if it takes a month?”

The lion said, “Don’t make excuses, Tondar! We don’t hunt even one gazelle a month as it is. This way, we know that food will be available to us consistently.”

The wolf said, “Okay, fine. But we shouldn’t let them think that they have us in their grasp.”

The lion asked, “What do you mean?”

The wolf explained, “We accept their condition. But we will put them in our debt. First, we won’t agree. Then we’ll set a few more conditions, and eventually, we’ll accept this proposal in a way that makes them understand that we’re doing them a great favor.”

Khakestari said, “If you could move among the animals of the jungle like I do, you would see how Sheba is becoming more powerful by the day. You wouldn’t be sitting idle. It’s only a matter of time before Sheba forms an army and attacks all of us.”

Upon hearing Khakestari’s words, the wolf fell deep in thought. He stood up and began to pace around an imaginary circle.

The lion said, “Khakestari is right, Tondar. We must not miss this opportunity.”

While Tondar continued to walk and circle around, a thought suddenly struck him. He sat back on his hind legs.

He asked, “What kind of animal is this zebra who made this proposal?”

Khakestari replied, “Just as you said. An ambitious one who is willing to do anything to achieve greatness and fame. He promised me that if I help him reach the position he believes he deserves, he will help me catch seven rabbits!”

Khakestari paused and looked at the wolf, who was listening carefully to his words, and said, “This zebra is the envy we’ve been looking for. He is extremely jealous of Sheba for the popularity he has gained in the jungle.”

Then Khakestari exchanged a meaningful glance with the wolf, the hyena, and the lion.

The wolf said, “In that case, this zebra is someone we need.”

The hyena asked, “For what?”

The wolf stood up and moved around, stopping at another point and staring into an unknown place. Then he turned his gaze back to the hyena and the lion and said, “We need to ensure that this zebra achieves his dreams. He must gain fame and popularity in this jungle in Sheba’s place. Because if the zebra is a hero in the jungle, it will be beneficial for us. But if Sheba is the hero of the animals, we will always face the threat of an animal uprising.”

The hyena nodded in understanding.

The wolf turned to Khakestari and said, “You need to deepen your friendship with the zebra. Stimulate him more. Make him thirst for power even more. But you must convey to him that the only way for him to achieve power is to act through us and in collaboration with us. Do you understand, Khakestari?”

Khakestari immediately replied, “Of course! I’ll make him think that the proposal he made is what will save the lives of the jungle animals, and that the hunters are very pleased with this matter.”

The wolf said, “Well done, Khakestari! I like that you know what you’re doing. Now go among the animals and make the zebra understand that to achieve greatness and magnificence in the jungle, he must take risks and come to meet me personally. After you win his heart, present my proposal to him. Tell the leaders of the jungle that we found your scavenging proposal interesting and are willing to negotiate directly about it.”

Khakestari said, “But the leaders of the jungle think that we don’t know what proposal they are going to give us.”

The wolf realized his mistake. He said, “Yes, yes. You’re right. So go tell the leaders of the jungle that we are ready to meet with them to see what proposal they have for us. Tell them that we welcome any constructive proposal that includes the satisfaction of both parties.”

46

Khakestari set off to deliver the wolf’s message to the leaders of the jungle. After a few hours of walking through the forest, he reached the zebra. Noghreh Naal was on his way to meet the buffalo leader with Kakooti. It seemed that the buffalo leader had called him to ask about the return of the fox. As soon as Noghreh Naal spotted Khakestari, he felt happy and immediately approached him.

He said, “Let’s go somewhere quiet and cozy to talk.”

The three of them wandered through the forest until they found a secluded spot. Kakooti took on the role of guarding and watching the surroundings.

Noghreh Naal asked Khakestari, “What’s the news? Did you deliver our message to the lion, wolf, and hyena?”

Khakestari nodded in confirmation.

Noghreh Naal asked again, “So, what happened?”

Khakestari said, “They agreed to hold a meeting with the leaders of the jungle and hear their proposal.”

The zebra’s eyes sparkled. However, he knew that he had already leaked the proposal to the fox, and the fox had shared it with the lion, hyena, and wolf. There was no reason for the fox not to tell his companions everything.

He asked Khakestari, “Well, what do they think of my proposal?”

Khakestari replied, “They were all satisfied. Very happy, in fact. The wolf personally wanted to meet with you and talk to you. He said to tell you that you can speak with him whenever you want. He thinks you deserve to be a hero because your mind works well, and Sheba is just a stubborn warmonger.”

Noghreh Naal, feeling quite pleased with Khakestari’s compliments, puffed out his chest and said, “Exactly! Sheba might have strength, but she lacks brains. She doesn’t understand the path to greatness and fame. Sooner or later, she will be brought down.”

Khakestari said, “By the way, rest assured. I told the hunters to pretend they don’t know what the leaders of the jungle are going to propose. They will act in the meeting as if they are just eager to find out what the leaders want to say.”

The zebra replied, “Good. This way, we can proceed better.”

Khakestari continued, “I asked the wolf to keep an eye on you during the meeting.”

The zebra fell deep in thought, listening carefully to Khakestari.

He asked, “Did you say the wolf is interested in negotiating with me directly?”

Khakestari replied, “Of course. Why not? You are the mastermind of these animals. Just for your information, the wolf is also the brains behind the hunters. The lion has grown old, one foot in the grave, and he doesn’t show much interest in these matters. The hyena doesn’t have any creative ideas either. It’s just me and the wolf who discuss everything and find solutions. Let me tell you, if you reach an agreement with the wolf, it’s as if you’ve reached an agreement with all the hunters.”

Noghreh Naal said, “Alright, you’ve made it clear. So the main party in these negotiations is the wolf.”

Khakestari confirmed, “Exactly.”

Noghreh Naal pondered for a moment, looked around, and asked, “So, what should I do if I want to talk to the wolf?”

Khakestari glanced around and then said, “Well, we need to secretly set a place to meet and discuss.”

Noghreh Naal replied, “Okay. Now let’s go deliver the hunters’ message to the leaders of the jungle. After that, we’ll talk about meeting with the wolf.”

They parted ways. It was decided that they would meet again in the same valley-like area in an hour. Noghreh Naal and Kakooti approached the herd leaders and informed them that the fox had returned with good news from the hunters and was waiting for them at the meeting place.

When all the leaders of the jungle gathered in the valley-like area, Khakestari said, “I delivered your message to my hunter friends. They are eager to meet with you and hear the good proposal you mentioned.”

The herd leaders were pleased and looked at Noghreh Naal, waiting for him to clarify the details of the meeting. Noghreh Naal immediately said, “Very well! Our meeting will be at sunset. We will meet in an area that is between our home and the hunters.”

Khakestari said, “I’ll take your message to the lion and the others right now.”

Khakestari set off. The herd leaders whispered among themselves about what would happen next. The leader of the buffaloes asked the others, “Do you think they will agree to our proposal?”

Silver Hoof responded immediately to maintain control over the psychological atmosphere and steer it in his favor: "I'm very optimistic. Because this proposal we're giving them is flawless! If they don't like this proposal, then what are they going to like? This proposal can prevent unnecessary wars and fights. That's exactly what they want!"

The leaders of the herds nodded in agreement. They suggested that they go rest, gather their best individuals, and set out at dusk to meet the hunters.

47

Gray stood in a corner of the forest, waiting to see Silver Hoof. As soon as the leaders of the forest went to their herds, Silver Hoof immediately set off towards Gray. Upon seeing Silver Hoof, Gray said, "You need to talk to the wolf before meeting the leaders of the forest with the hunters. You must coordinate in advance on how to conclude the meeting in your favor."

Silver Hoof nodded in agreement and said, "There’s not much time. I need to talk to the wolf immediately."

They set off together. After an hour, Silver Hoof hid in a part of the forest that seemed dangerous. Gray went to inform the wolf that the zebra was waiting to meet him. After half an hour, Gray returned with the wolf, and they found Silver Hoof.