Anansi Tries to Command the River

One day, Anansi was feeling unusually powerful. He stood beside the river and decided it should obey him.

“River! Bring me a fish!” he shouted.

The river kept flowing.

“Listen to me! Go backwards!”

The river did not go backwards.

A small crab stepped from beneath a rock. “What is troubling you, Grandfather Anansi?” she asked.

“This river is insubordinate,” Anansi said. “It refuses every command.”

The crab looked at the great river and then at the hungry spider. “Have you tried asking?”

Asking? Anansi was important. Anansi was clever. Anansi did not beg rivers. But Anansi was also very hungry.

He lowered his voice. “Please, River. I need food.”

A wave rose, rolled toward shore, and left one silver fish at Anansi’s feet. The crab tipped her claw.

Anansi learned that a command can announce your power, but a respectful request may accomplish much more. Wisdom is knowing when to shout—and when to speak softly enough for the river to answer.