“The Animals in the Forest” by Zeshan Shakar, published by NAARCA

They could often be found standing like this late in the afternoon, the animals in the forest. Their heads were bowed as they lapped up water from the pond. The big elk stood in the centre with its impressive antlers, legs spread wide so its head could reach down to the water. Two deer and a fawn stood beside the elk, glancing quickly from side to side as they drank, their eyes and ears always on alert. On the other side of the elk stood—or rather lay—the badger, the oldest animal in the forest, barely bowing its head as it drank. The capercaillie took a few sips as well but mostly just strutted along the water’s edge with its head held high, letting the sun illuminate its ornate feathers. And finally, in the shadow of the larger animals, blending in with the dark soil, there was a group of hedgehogs with heads so small that when they drank, their whole face practically disappeared beneath the surface of the water.

Read the full translation on NAARCA’s website.