THE WHALE  AND   THE KiINGFISHER

(Short story for pupils)

Dr. Muneer Moosa

THE WHALE  AND                                                               THE KiINGFISHER

(Short story for pupils)

Dr. Muneer Moosa

Whales have made their home in the sea since the beginning of time. They feed on fish and other sea creatures. Whales have fins just like fish and teeth like saws. This is a story about a whale, that enjoyed coming close to the shore. One day, a fisherman named Songster saw the whale catching birds because he could not find any fish. Songster was friendly with the Kingfisher, who hunted and ate little fish, frogs, grasshoppers and locusts. Songster said to his friend the Kingfisher: “I have not caught any fish with my net for several days even though I sang to them. Would you agree to catch some? Everyone knows how quick you are!” The Kingfisher flew until he found a huge wave filled with fish. He caught them in his long straight sharp strong  beak, and brought them back to fill all of Songster's baskets. Songster warned him to beware of the whale, but the Kingfisher only said: “I'm going to do some diving. Would you be good enough to look after my seven chicks in my nest between the rocks? “Songster nodded in agreement. The Kingfisher caught a large fish in his beak, but it dragged him down straight into the whale's mouth! He said to the whale: ”You know that eating me won't satisfy you. I am prepared to lead you to a place where the water is full of tasty walleye fish.” So the whale swam until he reached the rocks. Suddenly the Kingfisher shouted, “Look, there's a big one!” “I see it!” answered the whale. The Kingfisher suggested: “Let me stand on your nose, and then you can look in the same direction as I look!” Suddenly the Whale shouted: “I see it!” In that moment the Kingfisher took off beating his wings singing:

I am a fisher bird, the sea's friend

I'll catch you fish in a glance without end

Fogs and grasshoppers hunting them I intend

Songster spread his net around the whale and said: “Promise me you will stop catching birds. Promise me you will not come near the shore. Promise me and I will let you go.”

His eyes brimming with false tears, the whale dived deep into the water. The moral is: Those who are powerful cannot be allowed to oppress the weak, who must be sure that they will be defended. Harm no one, but seek friendship instead.