Harvest hints

The autumn wind blew softly through the rows of tall corn as Badger and Yote trudged through the field. They were surrounded by a sea of golden stalks, each swaying in the breeze, creating a gentle rustling that sounded like whispers. It was harvest season, and the mountain orchard's cornfield was ripe and ready for picking. The two friends loved this time of year—the smell of fresh hay, the clear blue sky, and the satisfying work of gathering the harvest.

Badger, always practical, was focused on the task at hand, moving methodically from stalk to stalk, pulling off ears of corn, and tossing them into his wicker basket. The light of the setting sun danced on the horizon, casting long shadows that made the field feel endless.

Yote, on the other hand, was more easily distracted. He moved slower, taking in the sights and sounds around him. He’d stop to admire a particularly full ear of corn or look up to catch the birds migrating south. He couldn’t help but let his mind wander—right to the puzzle that had been on his mind all day.

After a while, Yote’s thoughts got the best of him. He called out, “Badger, you know, harvesting corn always makes me think about the stories nature tells.”

Badger wiped sweat from his brow, the brim of his hat shielding his eyes from the late afternoon sun. “Like what, Yote? I think these stalks tell us it’s time to get these ears picked before sundown.”

Yote laughed. “Well, sure, there’s that. But I mean the stories of everything around us—the trees, the mountains, the soil beneath our feet. They all have something to say.”

Badger tilted his head. “And let me guess, you’re going to turn that into one of your riddles?”

“Of course,” said Yote with a sly grin. “I’ve been thinking of one all day, and I think you’ll like it. It’s about something that tells a story of time and growth, like this cornfield we’re working in. Ready?”

“Go on then,” said Badger, setting down his basket of corn and leaning against a tall stalk. He took a moment to enjoy the cool breeze and the orange-pink glow of the setting sun.

Yote took a deep breath, as if savoring every word before speaking. “All right, listen closely,” he began:

“My rings tell such a story
Of years past with gracious glory
Where I live is where I stay
From that spot I cannot stray
From my home man taketh me
So they can erect another home, you see
Many others bore into my sides
These things that crawl and things that glide
I weep with beauty or stand with grace
Every year I shed myself to nourish my place
What am I?”

Yote's voice lingered in the air like a leaf gently falling to the ground. The two stood in silence for a moment, the riddle hanging between them like a mystery in the wind. Badger furrowed his brow, clearly deep in thought. The rows of corn swayed around them, adding to the suspense of the puzzle.

“Hmmm,” said Badger, “That’s a riddle that goes deeper than roots.”

Yote grinned. “It sure does. But let’s see if you can figure it out by the time we get all this corn picked.”

The sun dipped lower, turning the sky a deeper orange, and the air cooled with the approach of evening. As they continued working through the field, Badger kept mumbling the lines to himself, going back and forth between ideas. The day’s work went on, but the riddle remained unanswered—for now.

Can you help Badger and Yote solve this riddle while they work in the cornfield? What am I?

🧠 Riddles like this one encourage you to think metaphorically and connect deeper ideas. Whether they're in the cornfield or exploring new places, Badger and Yote always find time to stimulate their brains. Our brain games newsletter delivers similar puzzles, riddles, and more to help you keep your thinking fresh and creative.