24/05/2025
THE CHAMELEON WHO TRIES TO ROAR
by SirMert Villanueva
In the vast sun-kissed plains of Luwanda, every creature knew their role—but none commanded more awe than Baruti, the lion king. His golden mane danced with light, and his mighty roar rolled over the hills like thunder. Birds hushed mid-song when he passed. Even the wind seemed to listen.
Watching from the lower branches was Nuru, a chameleon of shifting colors and quiet spirit.
Nuru was small. He didn’t thunder, or shine, or lead. No tales were told of him. No creatures cleared a path when he moved. But in his heart burned a silent wish: to be more—seen, heard, remembered.
“I will become like Baruti,” Nuru vowed one morning, his eyes gleaming with determination.
He tried to roar, but his squeak sent monkeys into fits of laughter.
He painted himself in golden hues, but was mistaken for a withering leaf.
He strutted across the plains like a king—until a hawk dove at him, thinking him a bug.
Still, Nuru didn’t give up.
One day, when Baruti was away, Nuru crept up to the lion’s rock. He stood tall, puffed out his chest, and gazed across the land.
But Baruti returned.
The animals gathered. Whispers stirred. Would the lion punish the small one?
Baruti stepped forward, his eyes soft, his voice deep.
“What brings you here, little one?”
“I wanted to be like you,” Nuru admitted, trembling.
Baruti looked long at Nuru, then knelt so their eyes met.
“Do you know what makes a king?” he asked. “Not the roar. Not the mane. But being fully, fearlessly yourself. You change with the world around you. You see what others miss. You were never meant to roar—you were meant to shimmer.”
Nuru blinked.
Then, slowly, his skin rippled—emerald, copper, sapphire. Gasps rose from the crowd. Even Baruti smiled wide.
From that day on, Nuru walked tall—not in a lion’s shadow, but in his own radiant light.
Three Real-Life Lessons
1. You don’t need a roar to be heard—your truth speaks louder.
2. Imitating others hides your light—shine in your own colors.
3. True strength is being proud of who you are, not who you wish to be.
