Big Horns, Bigger Lesson

Farmer Fred had just made an exciting new purchase for his farm — a young, strong, and remarkably large bull. He proudly named him Bill. With powerful legs, a broad chest, and two magnificent horns that curled gracefully from his head, Bill was an impressive sight.

After securing Bill in the trailer, Farmer Fred headed back home. Upon arrival, he opened the gate and said cheerfully, “Bill, welcome to your new home!” Bill gave a deep snort and tossed his head high, proudly displaying his great horns. It was clear he knew he looked impressive.

Bill had grown up in a small stall, so Farmer Fred’s open barnyard was a new and fascinating world to explore. As he stepped into the wide, open field, he paused on a hill and looked out over the barnyard. Cows grazed lazily, chickens pecked the ground, pigs rolled in mud, and sheep nibbled grass in the distance. Bill’s eyes gleamed with pride. “I’m the biggest animal on this farm,” he thought. “No one else has horns like these.”

Feeling superior, Bill decided to introduce himself to the others — in his own way.

He swaggered down to the chicken coop and snorted loudly. The chickens clucked and flapped as he neared, scattering in panic. A lone duck quacked and barely managed to dodge his hefty hooves.

Bill laughed and lowered his head, swinging it from side to side. “I’m Bill the bull, bigger than you chubby chickens!” he declared with a booming voice. “I’m the boss of this barnyard now!”

Frightened, the chickens flapped, squawked, and darted back into their coop. Bill laughed even louder. He was clearly enjoying himself.

Then he noticed the pigs lounging near the mud puddle. He stomped over, kicking up dirt, and said in a loud voice, “I heard Farmer Fred say he’s craving bacon for breakfast and ham for dinner!” He burst into laughter, snorting and shaking his head.

Several pigs squealed in fear and hurried back into their pen. But one pig, a large and wise old boar named Pork Chop, didn’t move.

“You’re a very mean bull, Bill,” Pork Chop said calmly.

Bill snorted rudely. “You’ve got a big flat nose, a curly tornado tail, and dirty pink ears. You stink!” he shouted, lowering his head threateningly.

But Pork Chop stood his ground. He wasn’t easily intimidated. “You’re a very mean bull,” he repeated gently, then turned and walked away.

Still full of himself, Bill spotted some sheep grazing in the meadow and trotted over. The leader of the flock, Roger Ram, greeted him politely.

“I’m Roger Ram,” he said. “Welcome to Farmer Fred’s farm.”

Bill didn’t return the courtesy. Instead, he charged at Roger, shaking his horns. “I’m Bill the bull, and I’m the boss here!”

Before Bill could react, Roger rammed him squarely between his horns, knocking him off balance. Bill groaned and mocked, “That curly hair may give you flair, but you ram like a ewe!”

He stomped the ground, snorted loudly, and prepared to charge. The sheep quickly retreated, and Bill once again stood victorious. Or so he thought.

All the barnyard animals were now afraid of Bill. He mocked their looks, scared them with his size, and made threats. It was no longer a peaceful place.

“I’m calling him Bully Bill,” said Henrietta Hen.

“That’s not helpful,” replied Roy Rooster. “Let’s find a way to stop him without becoming bullies ourselves.”

“Maybe we can reason with him,” said Toby Turtle, slowly.

“I tried ramming him,” Roger Ram added, “and he still mocked me.”

“He almost stepped on me!” cried Dorothy Duck.

“I’m scared,” sniffled Patty Piglet. “He said we’d be eaten!”

Pork Chop stepped in calmly. “Don’t worry,” he said with confidence. “By evening, Bill the bully will become our buddy.”

Meanwhile, Bill spotted the large red barn. Curious, he marched inside to announce his dominance. But once inside, the dark space made him uneasy. He turned a corner, and — BOOM!

He walked straight into something huge.

Startled, Bill backed up and looked up — way up — into the face of the largest, most powerful bull he had ever seen. This bull had horns even more majestic than his own and a presence that filled the barn like thunder.

“I’ve been waiting to meet you, Bill,” the bull said in a deep, rumbling voice. “I’m Brian Bull, and I’ve lived on this farm for many years. Today, the animals came to me for help. They told me about a bully — and that was you.”

Bill’s knees wobbled. His voice vanished. He’d never felt so small or so scared.

Brian stepped closer and whispered, “What do you think I should do, Bill?”

In a trembling voice, Bill replied, “Please, Brian… you already have. I now know how it feels to be scared — to be bullied. I’m so sorry.”

Tears welled in his eyes as Bill continued, “I’ll apologize to everyone. I’ve learned my lesson.”

Brian nodded. “Then no more needs to be said.”

As Bill turned to leave the barn, he saw all the animals waiting outside. They had heard everything.

Just then, Farmer Fred’s voice echoed from the fields: “Here, pig-pig-pig! Come on, chick-chick-chick! Dinner time!”

Pork Chop walked up to Bill, smiling kindly. “Come on, buddy. Let’s eat.”

And from that day forward, Bill was no longer a bully — he was part of the barnyard family.