Raven flew away from that beach feeling consternated. He felt somehow that Killer Whale had touched upon a greater truth, though he wasn’t sure what that truth was, or, indeed, whether it was true at all. Had he, Raven, desecrated anything?
In his flight, Raven happened upon Eagle, who, as it happens, had just captured a magnificent salmon in his talons and who was struggling with many decisions that needed his immediate attention, such as: 1). Do I have a strong enough grip on this squirmy, slimy fish? 2). Where shall I eat this delicious silver fish with red flesh? 3). Is this salmon going to drag me into the ocean and eat me? (Just kidding on that last one; an eagle would never think something like that.) Let it suffice to say: many things were vying for Eagle’s attention when Raven asked, “Oh, Eagle, is it true that if one is not helping, one is hurting?”
“I have no idea,” Eagle replied dismissively while Salmon squirmed and tried to break free.
“The question itself is reductive,” Salmon added, squirming again.
“Because Killer Whale says—” started Raven.
“I’m sorry, what?” Eagle snapped.
“Vis-à-vis the environment, specifically,” Raven said.
“Raven,” said Eagle, “if you want to help me with this salmon, you can join me in a feast. Otherwise, you are hurting my ability to have a good meal.”
“And if you’re not helping me escape,” Salmon added, “you’re definitely hurting. Just saying.”
“Maybe the question is too broad,” Raven said. “Regarding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, specifically—”
“Raven!” Eagle and Salmon cried at once. “If you’re not helping, you’re hurting!”
“Okay, okay,” said Raven, and off he flew, knowing when he was unappreciated.
