The Friendship of the Cockatoo and the Lory: A Tale of Patience, Anger, and Regret in Sago Village
Folklore from Papua
Once upon a time, in the lush jungles of Manimkan, Mybrat District in West Papua, there lived two birds who were the best of friends—a bright, white-feathered Cockatoo and a colorful Lory. Their friendship had blossomed through the years as they spent countless days flying over the canopy, foraging for food, and exchanging stories of their adventures.
One peaceful morning, as the golden sunlight filtered through the dense leaves, the Cockatoo fluffed his crest and turned to his friend.
Cockatoo: "Hey, Lory, I’ve heard there's a bounty of sago waiting for us in the Sago Village. Would you like to join me? The trees there are full of it!"
The Lory’s eyes lit up at the thought of the delicious sago, which was their favorite food.
Lory: "Sago Village, you say? Count me in!"
And so, they spread their wings and flew toward the village, carried by the soft breeze and the promise of a feast.
When they arrived, towering sago palms stretched up to the sky. The Lory gazed in wonder, admiring the size of the trees.
Lory: "Look at these giants! But... how do we get the sago? They seem so sturdy."
The Cockatoo, always confident and practical, smiled. He hopped closer to one of the trees, tapping its trunk with his beak as if to test its strength.
Cockatoo: "It's simple! We make holes at the lower part of the tree until it falls, then we peel off the bark. Once that’s done, we pound the trunk, and the sago will come right out. Easy, right?"
The Lory tilted his head, considering the plan. He wasn’t so sure.
Lory: "Hmm… but what if we did it differently? How about we make holes at both the top and the bottom of the tree? That way, we can use a stick to pick the sago from the top without all that pounding."
The palm cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) and The black-capped lory (Lorius lory)
The Cockatoo shook his head, his crest bouncing with determination.
Cockatoo: "No, no. Trust me. My way is quicker and cleaner. You’ll see!"
Reluctantly, the Lory sighed and agreed.
Lory: "Alright, we’ll try it your way. But if it’s too hard, I’m taking over!"
Together, they began the task. The Cockatoo expertly made holes in the lower part of the tree, and soon enough, the mighty palm came crashing down. They peeled off the bark, revealing the smooth, fibrous trunk of the sago palm.
Then came the hard part. Using wooden sticks, they began pounding the tree to extract the precious sago. The Cockatoo worked tirelessly, his beak clicking rhythmically as he hit the tree. The Lory, however, was quickly becoming exhausted.
Lory: (panting) "This… this is taking forever! I didn’t know it would be this hard…"
He wiped his beak with his wing, glancing enviously at the Cockatoo, who continued to pound the trunk with unrelenting focus.
Lory: "Cockatoo! Can’t we take a break? My wings are aching, and my beak feels like it's about to fall off!"
The Cockatoo didn’t even look up.
Cockatoo: "No time for breaks! We’re almost there!"
This only made the Parrot more frustrated. His wings drooped, and his bright feathers ruffled with annoyance. Why did the Cockatoo always have to be so stubborn?
Finally, the Parrot snapped. In a burst of anger, he grabbed the very stick they were using and swung it in frustration—right at the Cockatoo’s head!
Lory: "Why don't you ever listen to me?!"
Thwack! The stick hit the Cockatoo's head, and in an instant, blood began to drip from the wound.
The Lory gasped, dropping the stick in horror.
Lory: "Oh no! What have I done?"
In a panic, the Lory rushed to his injured friend, trying to stop the bleeding. He carefully carried the Cockatoo back to their home, his heart filled with regret. For days, he nursed the Cockatoo, making sure he had water and food, all the while wishing he could take back his rash action.
Lory: "I’m so sorry, my friend. I should’ve never let my anger get the better of me."
The Cockatoo, though weak, gave a small nod in forgiveness, understanding that his friend hadn’t meant to hurt him.
Time passed, and the Cockatoo slowly healed. But no matter how much time went by, a scar remained—a patch on his head where no feathers grew. The once smooth white feathers were now interrupted by a bare spot, a reminder of that fateful day.
Lory: "I’m so sorry about the scar, Cockatoo…"
The Cockatoo chuckled softly, shaking his head.
Cockatoo: "Don’t worry about it, Lory. It’s a mark of our friendship. Let’s just agree to listen to each other more in the future, hmm?"
From that day forward, the Lory and the Cockatoo’s friendship grew even stronger. They learned to compromise, and though they occasionally bickered, they always remembered the lesson they had learned that day beneath the sago tree. And if anyone ever wondered why the Cockatoo had a bare patch on its head, the Lory would smile sheepishly and tell them the story of how even the closest friends can make mistakes—but true friendship endures through them all.
Moral message
From the story "The Cockatoo and the Lory," we learn that in friendship, it’s important to listen to and respect each other’s opinions. Differences in thinking are normal, but by understanding one another, solutions can be found without hurting anyone. When angry, don’t let emotions take control, because actions taken in anger often lead to regret. In the end, true friendship can forgive mistakes, and from every mistake, there is a lesson to be learned.
Did You Know?
The Palm Cockatoo, also known as the Goliath Cockatoo or Great Black Cockatoo, is one of the most striking birds in the parrot family. This large parrot, with its smoky-grey or deep black plumage, is native to the lush landscapes of New Guinea, the Aru Islands, and the Cape York Peninsula. What sets the Palm Cockatoo apart is its remarkably large black beak, which is not only impressive but also serves a vital function in cracking open tough seeds and nuts. The prominent red cheek patches add a dash of vibrant color to its sophisticated appearance, making it an unmistakable presence in its natural habitat.
Palm Cockatoos are known for their loud and distinctive calls, echoing through the rainforests. They are often seen flying in pairs or small groups, where they engage in social behaviors that strengthen their bonds. In many cultures, these magnificent birds symbolize strength and resilience, embodying the wild spirit of the tropical forests they call home.
On the other hand, the Black-Capped Lory, also referred to as the Western Black-Capped Lory or Tricolored Lory, is a vibrant and lively parrot found primarily in New Guinea and its adjacent smaller islands. With a dazzling array of colors—rich reds, bright greens, and striking yellows—this lory captures the attention of anyone fortunate enough to spot it. Its robust build allows it to thrive in various environments, from dense rainforests to open woodlands.
Known for their playful and social nature, Black-Capped Lories are often seen in flocks, chattering excitedly as they flit from branch to branch. Their curious personalities and intelligence make them engaging companions, although they require dedicated care and social interaction to thrive in captivity.
Both the Palm Cockatoo and Black-Capped Lory showcase the incredible diversity of avian life found in Papua and its surrounding islands. These birds not only play essential roles in their ecosystems but also remind us of the beauty and richness of nature that we must strive to protect for future generations. 🦜🌿
Please Read More Stories!
No comments:
Post a Comment