Little Parrot (Tibet)

Little Parrot loved the jungle. Every morning she would fly over the greenery, look at what lay below, and count herself fortunate to live in such a place. Only when she was sure that all was well did she fly back to earth and eat her breakfast.

One morning, while flying overhead, she saw nothing but thick, dark smoke. The jungle was on fire! Little Parrot flew over to the river as fast as her small wings permitted, took a huge gulp of water, flew back to the fire, and spit out the water, trying to quench the massive flames. Back and forth she went, from the river to the fire, from the fire to the river, trying her best to put out the fire though she was very little and could only take tiny gulps each time. She soon became exhausted but kept on going. Her beloved jungle was at risk.

As she was flying for the umpteenth time to the river, worried that the jungle would burn before she could put out the fire, she heard a loud laugh. Then she heard a cackling voice say, "You’re a silly parrot. You’re too little to put out such a big fire."

Little Parrot looked up and saw Eagle, the largest bird in the jungle. “I don't need advice” she said. “I need help,” then continued flying to the river. The next thing Little Parrot knew, a huge stream of water poured from the skies dousing part of the fire. Little Parrot did not stop to see who was helping her, she just kept flying to the river and back, hoping that with help the fire would soon be put out.

When there were no more flames, Little Parrot looked around to see if she could find the source of the help for which she was so grateful. Surprised, she saw that it was Eagle. Though she was utterly depleted, she flew up to Eagle and said, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Were it not for you, the fire would still be burning.”

“No,” said Eagle, “it is I who must thank you.”

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March 2024 Monthly Stories