THE BOY AND THE MOTHER DUCK

The Boy and the Mother Duck

There were lots of order that day. I was busy helping our workers by cutting a long galvanized iron that goes inside the baluster's cement mold. Then you came, tugging behind you your curious little yellow muffins. Nibbling on the pool of water near the artisan well where I work - which irritated me.

Without provocation, the unthinkable happened. I lifted the long galvanized iron and used it as a whip to drive you away, aiming for your back but the tip landed first on your head - knocking you unconscious! I couldn't explain what had just happened to your now orphaned children.

For their caring and loving mother is already gone, her life was taken and wasted by the cruel hands of an impulsive and irrational lad. Heavy guilt descended over me like Jupiter's gravity, not concerning myself anymore of the task I was assigned to do but thinking of who will raise and take care of your babies from here on.

I have kept all your youngs inside a cardboard box, I heard their cries all night. The next morning, I built them a shelter made of splintered bamboo. I carried them one day to the riverbank to bathe and swim, where my grandparents live and kept their water buffalos. They feasted on the earthworms I dug under the sweet tamarind tree.

I felt somewhat relieved as your babies grow older, and stronger. Even their wings grew long, as white as snow which allows them to fly over our neighbors rooftop and I have to chase them back. Not a single one was lost under my custody. I hope one day you'll forgive me. I hope I have done you justice by taking good care of your babies, - the best way I could ...

by Neil Aranda