How A Woodpecker Insulted A God

 
Once a god sat so long on the horizon 
the earth covered his forearms until he was rooted 
like an ancient tree.
 
One day a woodpecker flew onto his shoulder 
and began pecking at his temple.
 
Stop that, cried the god in pain.
 
The woodpecker, startled to hear a tree cry, said,
I have always pecked at trees. 
 
I am not a tree, said the god.
 
How was I to know?  replied the woodpecker,
You are rooted to the ground. 
 
Perhaps,  said the god, But I am not a tree.
 
But you are tall and your skin is gnarled, 
insisted the woodpecker.
 
Still, I am not a tree , said the god, 
and would appreciate it if you would not peck at me.
 
I peck for food, replied the woodpecker, 
It is unlikely I should peck again at anything as barren as you.
 
At those words the angry god stuck out his tongue, 
scooped the woodpecker into his mouth,
and swallowed him whole.
 
And that is why you should only peck
on someone your own size.
 
 

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