Read: Psalm 104
The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the coneys. O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures (Psalm 104:18 & 24, NRSV).
Carol: Thank you so much for agreeing to an interview. I believe you wanted to make an opening statement.
Coney: That’s right. I’d like to state for the record that I AM NOT A RABBIT.
Carol: I’m sure our readers will appreciate that clarification.
Coney: Well, I don’t know about that. So many people insist on calling me a rabbit. But seriously. Look at my ears. Do I look like a rabbit?
Carol: You do not. But am I correct that a “coney” is sometimes called a “rock hyrax.”
Coney: Yes! It’s so nice to meet someone who has done their homework. And really, if you saw where I live, you’d understand the reference to rocks.
Carol: I wanted to ask you about that. Psalm 104 talks about the rocks being “a refuge for the coneys….”
Coney: Oh! We love that psalm!
Carol: Really? Please elaborate.
Coney: Well, obviously we appreciate the shout-out. But beyond that, we love the way Psalm 104 celebrates the beautiful diversity of creation.
Carol: I love that, too! But I must say, you are a very wise and well-read coney.
Coney: Hidden depths. And not the kind of thing you’d expect from a rabbit, by the way.
Carol: Be that as it may—is there anything specific you’d like to say to our readers? We don’t often get to hear from such an articulate coney.
Coney: As a matter of fact, I’ve been wanting to send humans a message for some time.
Carol: Please!
Coney: It has to do with that beautiful diversity I mentioned a moment ago. Humans act like your species is the only one that matters. It’s as if the rest of us are only there for decoration—or dinner!
Carol: I wish I could say I didn’t know that you’re talking about.
Coney: God delights in ALL of creation. Read Psalm 104! I can’t imagine that the Creator is pleased by the way you humans are wrecking the planet. Why, just the other day I was reading in the New York Times that “Earth is hotter today than it’s been in at least 1000 years and probably longer,” and that human activity is largely responsible for this. All of the creatures in Psalm 104 have adapted to live in hot, dry places—but this is ridiculous!
Carol: Wait. You read the New York Times?
Coney: Well, only on Sundays. We share a subscription with the mountain goats. But don’t try to change the subject. This is serious.
Carol: I understand. I’ll spread the word to all the humans I know—and some of the ones I don’t!
Coney: See that you do. And while you’re at it, make sure you tell them that I’m not a rabbit. My ears are much less ridiculous, and I can climb trees. Show me a rabbit that can climb trees!
Carol: We humans obviously have a lot to learn. Thanks for your time. You’re a credit to your species.
Ponder: Some of the details of this interview are fanciful, but some of them are not. Which bits are true, and why do they matter so much?
Pray: Creator God, you rejoice in all your works. Show us how to be more responsible creatures.