The Two Wolves

by Dane Allred

Grandfather told me, “There are two wolves living inside me.

One is good, and the other evil.

One is loving, friendly, even-tempered.

The other hateful, isolated, unstable.

The good wolf is happy, energetic, positive.

The evil wolf is sad, listless, negative.

Hopeful, forgiving, cheerful is the good wolf,

Hopeless, implacable, morose is the evil wolf.

One is calm, composed, serene.

The other worried, unbalanced, troubled.

They are so different, but both live within me.

 Only one can survive.”

I asked grandfather which one will win.

He said, “Before I tell you this,

You must know these wolves live in me, and also in you.

They live in everyone.”

“But, grandfather, which one will win?

Which one will be victorious?”

Grandfather said, “You are right.

The good and evil wolf

Cannot both survive.”

Grandfather placed his hand upon my chest

Know this, there is a good wolf and an evil wolf within you.

The one who will survive

Is the one you feed.”