why the cat hates the rat

Emily Y, 8th - California

Long ago, the Jade Emperor decided to hold a great race across the wide river. The first twelve animals in the kingdom to finish would forever have a year named after them.

i. 
Because there was nothing for me.
Because I’m haunted by the bitter taste of 
betrayal, the sting of being out-slyed. 

When the children read the legends,
they’ll find the confident reason why 
“Never again will Cat and Rat race 
side by side.”

ii. 
Bright red banners line the city,
proclaiming “The Jade Emperor’s Zodiac Race.”
We cover the whispering streets, yearning 
for a spot among the twelve.

There are things in this world that can promise
full stomachs for life: coins earned by a family each week,
a last name etched in the emperor’s golden scroll, 
and a medal around your neck at the end of this race.

Instead of watching below,
fighting for the scraps 
nobody else wanted, Rat and I 
share a dream of one day eating first.

iii.
The long river glimmers ahead, 
glory peeking behind the layered mountains.

Rat and I step forward, two of many 
that line the starting point.

The emperor waves his flag,
and everyone sets off.

We run and run,
past mountains of evergreen trees

and fields of dewy grass.
Three hours later, we reach the long, raging river.

The waves roar like hungry lions,
ready to devour those too little to cross.

iv.
Years ago, I was almost eaten by a rabid bear.

In the water, my wet fur dragged me down
As I faced rows of teeth, dirty 
with half-eaten fish. His ballistic eyes pinned 
me still as I submerged deeper into the 
rocks below.

I tell Rat, don’t swim, the waters 
are starving.

Just as our hope fades, the mighty ox strolls by
like a thousand dumplings
presented to a ravenous man. 

Some call tricking a gullible boat cheating, 
but we call it getting a ride.

Steady and strong on the ox’s back,
a full stomach will soon be my future.

v.
I smell victory.

I feel victory.

I—SPLASH!

vi.
I 
p
      l
        u
            n
                 g
                     e 
into the s h i v e r i n g
river
The cold water
drenches my whiskers and paws.

Steam fills my ears,
Embarrassment fills my eyes,
And hatred fills my heart.

iv.
I’ve always believed that it’s never too late 
to finish what’s started.

But today, even though I sprinted and 
sprinted like never before, the race
shattered in my hands like a once-broken vase.

My paw floats just one centimeter from the line.
BANG!
The gates slam shut.

The twelve victors are called:
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake,
Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

When children read the legends,
they’ll find the confident reason why 
“Never again will Cat and Rat race 
side by side.”