A Wandering Child
Our parents said that starting early was crucial, it seems that it is a quite a long way to the animal park. I do understand. Perhaps they do know what I experience, well at least some of it. How frightened I am, because each time I walk to school it seems that the journey get a little bit longer! I worry that one day there might be no end to that walk, so I can’t wait to change school. But that’s the least of my worries.
Hello Mistral, how is your unborn child doing, yes I know that we humans call it a cub, but you don’t. Yes I know that people are watching us, but they are going to have to get use it, me talking with you. Don’t worry I am going to tell them that you want your children to live a free life, that you do not want them to be amusement slaves.
What am I doing father, why I am talking with this beautiful lady, who’s name by the way is not Sophie but Mistral. Please tell the zoo keepers that. And that they can put their guns down. ‘ I am quite safe’ .
This Post Has 21 Comments
Clever and touching, Michael.
Couple of tiny typos, I think.
‘cub’, not ‘club’ in first line of second paragraph, and ‘to’ not ‘it’ just below.
Thank you, I should not write first thing in the morning.
Michael, such a poignant story. Children are often misunderstood. Their uniqueness is often framed as something wrong.
Thank you Susan, Our individuality is to be valued.
The child seems to understand the situation better than they realise.
Thank you Iain, some children understand better than they are given credit for.
A delightful piece indeed.
Click to read my SunPhoFic
Thank you Keith, but I feel that I did not achieved the story that I intended to write
This is a very touching piece. I like the warm and gentle tone of it.
I am pleased to read that, although this time I feel that I did not really achieve the story that I intended to write.
You know it’s funny how that works. Sometimes I feel like a piece I wrote isn’t so good or it failed to achieve what I wanted, but then it’s surprisingly popular. It’s hard to be certain how an artist’s work will be received.
I guess many writers will have the same concern.
What a wonderful thought, that someone could actually speak with these creatures and help to make them understood. Although I imagine it would be hard to convince anyone you weren’t just crazy, if you could.
Thank you Joy. Indeed it would be difficult.
Neat I love that the little child can communicate with the leopard, that they are friends. I hope the zookeepers, guards, etc. Can discover this connection and know the leopard does not mean to hurt the girl only wants someone to talk to her and understand.
Thank you Mandibelle, This child may stun the world. In time she will be able to roam the universe …
What a wonderful story Michael. Only the innocent mind of a child can understand the feelings of an animal’
It is a gift to be in tune with animals. I am so pleased you enjoyed this story. To see a Snow leopard in it natural environment that would be magical.
A lovely story about a sensitive child, Michael. I wish more people were as sensitive about the natural world. Too many take it for granted. Good writing. 🙂 — Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne, the world needs individuals who are sensitive to the needs of animals and the natural world