Sankofa folktale contest

Why The Hen Scratches The Earth!!

Once upon a time there was a great famine in the animal kingdom and to buy food was very difficult, that no single family could afford, so all the animal decided to put their money together, and buy food in bulk and then distribute to everyone. But the question was who will collect and keep the money? So that food could be bought in time.
Firstly the dog was considered, but was rejected by others because he could not control himself, especially when it comes to food.
The tortoise was the next in line to be considered, but he was rejected because he is sluggish and lazy.
Then the lion, but was also rejected because he might scare other animals away when the food was ready.
Then the Hen was considered by all, because she is hardworking, and usually the first to wake and call others to duty. She searches for her food and she is always careful, when it comes to spending. So all the animals agreed to give their money to Hen, except for one animal which is the tortoise.
The tortoise was angry and jealous because, other animals have refused to trust him with their money so he therefore decides to teach the hen a lesson.
Everyday, he went in search of the hen to know where she hides the money. After following the hen everyday without result, he decided to hide close to her house and keep watch all through the day, but how was he going to this without the hen noticing him?
He therefore decided to deceive the hen, by promising the hen that he was going to work for her, as a servant so he could be paid with food.
The hen, not knowing the plan of the tortoise, welcome him into her home. The tortoise then discovered that she hides the money under the palm tree behind her room. He therefore waited for her to go out in the morning, and slowly he went, took away the money and covered the soil as it was, without anybody noticing that the money had been taken.
When the time to buy food came, the hen was asked to bring the money and without knowing, she went in to bring the money from where she hid it but could not find it.
She searched and searched but to no avail, all the animals were angry, they asked her to go back and search again till she finds it. She ceases to be a member of the animal kingdom, she and her children will be hunted until death is spared.
That is why, the hen and her children are hunted by men and other animals. The hen still scratches the earth till date in search of the missing money.

POEM
Title: The Demise Of A Childless Widow

The sun will rise that itches the back, wrapped with filth and rails of cracks.

The sky gave endlessly at the kinky mat with a heavy heart, she is ready for a pour.

For no one is ready for a wasteful mourn, a number will glance and turn to shades, just to be sure she drank from grail.

Hoes and shovels, busy with the toil. sun flies around like a Chinese toy.

Mouth will move sounds pour dirge, but the mammal, whale dies on dry earth, maggots and worms awaits eagerly beneath.

Tree wails in agony, for friends they were in harmony.

Flood not my grave with your tears, for it suits not the face you wear... Wail not for within you jeer, I'm on the right side of fate, tic tic tic is it not clock? Of course you're afraid.