Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008
Google

Young World
Published on Tuesdays

Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest |

Young World

Printer Friendly Page Send this Article to a Friend

Willy’s straw hat

KAVITA SIVARAMAKRISHNAN

Everyone laughed at Willy because his straw hat was so old and shapeless. Then one day there was a huge storm...


Willy the bear was fond of his old hat. It was old and battered, but he still loved it because it was given to him by his uncle. The hat had lost its former glory and sheen but Willy still loved it and was oblivious to everyone’s comments.

One night there was a huge storm. All the animals in the forest ran for cover and in the process Willy lost his hat. Kanha the elephant simply couldn’t resist teasing Willy.

“Dear Willy, your straw hat was in such a bad shape that it will definitely serve no purpose at all for anyone.”

The animals couldn’t suppress their laughter. Willy still didn’t find it funny. He searched high and low for his hat.

Kajri the deer came by and said, “Willy, I wanted to collect berries yesterday but the wind came from nowhere and carried away my basket. Your old, battered straw hat flew in from nowhere. It came in handy to collect my berries. I am so thankful to you but just as I wanted to return your hat another gust of wind blew it away.”

Willy was happy that his hat had served some good purpose but was sad that he lost it again.

Munni’s nest

Just then there was an announcement: Munni the mynah had laid some eggs. The animals wanted to greet Munni on this happy occasion. When Munni saw Willy, she thanked him profusely.

Willy wondered why Munni was thanking him.

The nest looked rather strange and unusual. It reminded Willy of something.

Munni said, “Well, Willy after days of hardwork my nest was blown away in yesterday’s storm. I was at a loss. But as luck would have it your straw hat came in handy to build my nest. Nothing could have formed a more comfortable nest for my eggs.”

Munni had placed some twigs and leaves in the hat and it was warm and cozy. Willy was happy beyond measure. He knew that his straw hat had served a purpose way beyond his imagination. Who said his hat couldn’t serve any purpose other than covering his head? Even Kanha could not contradict this.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail



Young World

Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest |


The Hindu Group: Home | About Us | Copyright | Archives | Contacts | Subscription
Group Sites: The Hindu | Business Line | Sportstar | Frontline | Publications | eBooks | Images | Home |

Comments to : thehindu@vsnl.com   Copyright © 2008, The Hindu
Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu