The Day the Forest Didn’t Vote

A forest fable about skipped votes, strange laws, and the truth that silence still decides.

Election Day in Meadowbright

Was meant to shine with forest light.

Each voice and paw, each tail and beak,

Was asked to share what path to seek.

But Crabbie squawked, "It's just the same.

No matter who, it feels a game.

They promise roots, then peck and fly.

Why should I vote? I don’t know why."

Lantern blinked, "It’s not just flair—

The vote decides who truly cares.

When forests whisper, leaders sway—

But silence leads our truth astray."

Still many sighed and stayed in nests.

They muttered, "Voting’s such a test.

The line is long. The choices bland.

I’ll wait for change—but not by hand."

So came the count, and winds grew still.

A squirrel and stump walked up the hill.

With just three votes, the race was done—

And none had picked the leading one.

A new rule passed: "Each tree must bounce.

All nuts must now be weighed and pounced.

The sun will rise at whistle tune.

And owls must hoot in proper rune."

Milo squeaked, "Who made these rules?"

Said Sprig, "The ones who played the tools.

The vote was held. The forms were there.

We left it all to open air."

Now Maple speaks near floating logs:

"Democracy can’t run on fog.

If we don't show, we lose the say—

And random rules can lead the way."

Next year, the nests were full of noise.

With every voice and all the joys.

They lined up tall and cast with care—

Because a silent vote won’t share.

---

Did You Know?

In many places, low voter turnout means a small group chooses rules for everyone. Your voice matters. When more people vote, decisions reflect the whole community.

✍️ Why I Wrote This

I wrote this fable because I’ve seen what happens when good creatures stay quiet. The fable isn’t just about animals—it’s about apathy. It’s about the feeling that one voice won’t matter, that systems are broken, or that voting is a chore instead of a chance.

But when we don’t show up, we don’t just lose the vote—we lose the direction of our community. In this story, Crabbie the Crow speaks for every voter who’s felt disillusioned. But Lantern, Maple, and Milo remind us: decisions will be made, whether we speak or not.

This tale is for every young reader who wonders if their voice matters. It does. Democracy isn't something we inherit—it’s something we protect by participating. Even one skipped vote can change the forest.

—Ross Boulton