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THE SHORT STORIES OF ZAKARIA TAMER Without hesitation the sun answered: “I feel sad, and your song can help me cheer up.” The songbird said: “I will sing for you, but first you have to pay me for my song.” Taken aback, the sun said: “What do you mean? Is the songbird now a business-bird, selling your songs?” Cross and scowling the songbird replied: “I’m not a bird in a cage. I live how I want and do as I please. I have decided to use my beautiful voice to make money.” Softly the sun asked: “Why do you want money?” The songbird thought for a moment, then said: “Whoever has money is respected and loved.” The sun said: “You are mistaken. Here am I. Everyone loves me and no one can live without me, even though I have no money.” The songbird said: “Do not try to persuade me. I am determined to make lots of money.” The sun asked: “What will you do with your money?” The songbird beamed: “I will buy a car to use instead of these dreadful wings.” The sun laughed and, both mocking and disapproving, said: “A songbird riding a car? That would be a funny sight.” The songbird was angry, consumed by the sun’s insult. Just then a crow screeched: “Qaaq qaaq. Shut up. Here comes a cop.” A policeman approached at a fast past. He screamed at the songbird: “What is this racket? Who are you? A songbird? Come on, sing for me your best song or you are under arrest and I will put you in jail.” This made the songbird feel a powerful love for his wings, and he smiled. At once, he took off flying, the policeman chasing behind, blowing on a whistle, trying to catch him. The songbird flew until he was too tired to go further. He landed on a branch and looked around. He saw the green trees, the blue sky, the white, red, and yellow flowers, and he trem- 172 BANIPAL 53 – SUMMER 2015
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13 STORIES FOR CHILDREN bled with intense happiness. He felt he would die if he did not sing, and he realized he could never be a business-bird collecting money. Right then and there he sang for the trees, the water, the sun, and the flowers without demanding any payment. The Elderly Lion The lion woke up to a screech from his neighbor, the owl. Annoyed and angry, the lion wrinkled his forehead and hollered at the owl: “Quit screeching.” The owl said: “You will die someday soon. You are so old now. You will die and leave this beautiful jungle behind.” The lion looked around to find the sky blue and clear, the BANIPAL 53 – SUMMER 2015 173

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13 STORIES FOR CHILDREN

bled with intense happiness. He felt he would die if he did not sing, and he realized he could never be a business-bird collecting money. Right then and there he sang for the trees, the water, the sun, and the flowers without demanding any payment.

The Elderly Lion

The lion woke up to a screech from his neighbor, the owl. Annoyed and angry, the lion wrinkled his forehead and hollered at the owl: “Quit screeching.” The owl said: “You will die someday soon. You are so old now. You will die and leave this beautiful jungle behind.”

The lion looked around to find the sky blue and clear, the

BANIPAL 53 – SUMMER 2015 173

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