From the author: Once upon a time, a majestic Tree grew in the African savannah. None of the animals living nearby remembered how old this Tree was. It itself lost track of time... but the only thing remained unchanged: Every time an animal rested under its crown, the tree, quietly, quietly, with the rustling of its leaves, told magical stories about these places, about the ancient land and the stars looking from the vast distance to our world. Parable “The Tree and the Antelope” Once upon a time, a majestic Tree grew in the African savannah. None of the animals living nearby remembered how old this Tree was. It itself lost track of time... but the only thing remained unchanged: Every time an animal rested under its crown, the tree, quietly, quietly, with the rustling of its leaves, told magical stories about these places, about the ancient land and the stars looking from the vast distance to our world. One day, on a hot afternoon, an old Antelope, mortally tired from a long pursuit, found refuge under the Tree. Feeling safe and rested, Antelope prepared to move on, but night was approaching and she decided to stay here until dawn. How wonderful the air was and the silence that filled this place also seemed special. Antelope's huge wet eyes saw a slight flicker emanating from the crown... the leaves emitted light, as if they were whispering a wondrous story, from which Antelope felt like an inseparable part of this world. Deciding that this was exactly the place that any living creature was looking for, Antelope decided to stay here until the end of her days. Many days have passed since the animal first appeared near this Tree. At a distance from this place lived a tribe whose leader gathered the best warriors, sending them in search of wood with unusual properties. It was necessary to make a ritual Drum from it, serving in special ceremonies. After many days of travel, tired warriors, looking for shelter for the night, decided to set up camp under a nearby tree. They realized that they were not mistaken when they approached him. Under the Tree, as if resting, the Antelope fell into eternal sleep, above which a light transparent light radiated, as if flowing from the branches and leaves... Everyone found what they were looking for: the warriors understood that they would fulfill the order of the tribe leader, and the animal found refuge, which is so difficult to find in her world. The skin of the animal has become an important part of the ritual Drum, which even today, on special days, continues to tap out the rhythms of the unity of this ancient land, on the face of which beautiful stars are reflected in the eyes of people and animals... Vladimir Kosintsev +7 701 365 23 04, e-mail:[ email protected]