In ancient times, an old Coyote lived near a place called Suski-ashokton, while an old Locust resided in a nearby arroyo. One day, the Coyote, seeking food, heard the Locust playing a flute and singing. Enchanted by the music, the Coyote asked the Locust to teach him the song so he could entertain his children. The Locust obliged, singing the song again, and the Coyote attempted to replicate it, albeit poorly. After a brief duet, the Coyote hurried home, but on his way, he fell into a Gopher's trap, startling him and causing him to forget the song. Frustrated, he returned to the Locust, who sang the song once more. However, as the Coyote left again, he was startled by a flock of Pigeons, which made him forget the song again. The Locust, wary of the Coyote's intentions, decided to teach him a lesson. He shed his skin, leaving a lifelike replica behind, and flew to a nearby tree. When the Coyote returned, he found the skin and, believing it to be the Locust, demanded the song. Receiving no response, he grew angry and threatened the Locust, ultimately biting the skin and injuring himself on the stone inside. The Coyote's pain led him to realize he had been tricked, and he fled, suffering from broken teeth as a consequence of his actions. This incident became a cautionary tale, illustrating the importance of minding one's own business and the repercussions of unchecked anger. The story concludes with the notion that Locusts now often protect themselves by leaving skins behind when they sing, a legacy of the Coyote's folly.
By Frank Hamilton Cushing · First published 1883 · Genre: Fable, Folklore, Children's Literature