Coyote-s Tale. Fire Water (2026)

“You’re drunk, brother,” said Badger.

“You look like you swallowed a porcupine,” said the crow.

He went back three times. Each time, he told himself: This time I’ll control it. And each time, the fire water controlled him—until the stars turned into needles, and his own howl sounded like a stranger. Coyote-s Tale. Fire Water

He waited until the Moon ducked behind a cloud. Then he crept into the village, stole a gourd, and lapped up the fire water until his belly swelled like a toad’s throat.

“Ha!” he howled. “I am the smartest creature in all directions!” “You’re drunk, brother,” said Badger

Finally, on the fourth morning, Coyote buried the gourd and sang a quiet song: “I stole the flame for warmth and light. I stole the water to feel bright. But fire in the belly burns the soul. And too much bright will leave you coal.” Then he walked away, limping a little, and never stole fire water again.

He had already stolen fire from the Fire People, tucking a burning coal into a hollow reed and racing across the plains until the smoke made him sneeze and sparks flew into the pine trees. That trick worked so well, he thought, why not try again? Each time, he told himself: This time I’ll control it

Coyote was hungry for more .