Once upon a time in a field, a flock of beautiful white pigeons were happily pecking at grains when suddenly, a crow landed nearby. Upon seeing the pigeons, the crow couldn’t help but chuckle. Astonished, the pigeons inquired, “Why do you laugh at our helplessness?”
The crow replied, “Every morning, your owner releases you from his dovecote, leaving you in this field. He has even clipped your wings, rendering you unable to fly far or eat anything beyond these grains. Sometimes, you become easy prey for cats, and other times, you are devoured by eagles.”
The pigeons, intrigued, asked the crow, “Tell us, what can we do to attain the freedom and happiness you seem to have?”
With a sly grin, the crow contemplated and then said, “There are four tasks to accomplish. First, I shall become your leader. Second, you need to learn my cunning ways. Third, you must change your pristine white feathers to black. And finally, you must solemnly promise never to eat grains ever again.”
The pigeons huddled together, seeking each other’s counsel, and eventually, they agreed to the crow’s conditions. The crow, with a sense of achievement, led the pigeons, and they followed him.
The crow collected a vial of black ink from a nearby house and used it to dye the pigeons’ feathers black. Within moments, the once white pigeons had transformed into black ones. One pigeon asked the crow, “We accept you as our leader, but tell us, what is the next step?”
The crow, relishing his newfound authority, replied, “The next step is to find food and eat. Follow me.” They proceeded further and soon encountered a murky waterhole. The crow announced, “Behold, water for bathing and drinking! Let’s have some fun.”
The pigeons, however, recoiled at the stench emanating from the filthy water. One pigeon protested, “We have never used such dirty water for bathing or drinking.”
The crow, undeterred, responded, “This is your first step towards freedom. Clean water is not as precious as the independence you will gain. Besides, didn’t you promise to heed my every command?”
Feeling trapped, the pigeons reluctantly entered the contaminated water, trying to wash themselves. After a while, the crow led them away. They resumed their journey.
Eventually, they reached a desolate area where they encountered a group of young boys carrying slingshots and stones. The crow addressed them, “Brothers, it’s time to eat. The food is right here.” The pigeons, still adapting to their new reality, hesitated.
One of the boys inquired, “Why aren’t you pigeons eating? Have you never feasted on the juicy flesh of a dead donkey before?”
The pigeons, fearing the worst, responded, “We are pigeons, not vultures. Even if we could, we would never eat such repulsive, foul-smelling meat.”
Infuriated, the crow rebuked them, “Have you forgotten already? You are no longer pigeons but crows. Follow the orders or else you shall face the same fate.” Reluctantly, the pigeons began to eat the carrion.
As they devoured the gruesome meal, they couldn’t help but reflect on their changed circumstances. They had strayed far from their peaceful life. They now faced the grim reality of their choices.
After their fill, the crow led them to a secluded spot. There, they were met with a pitiful sight – a dying donkey, infested with maggots, and surrounded by an unbearable stench. The crow jubilantly announced, “This is your test. Now, prove your loyalty to me.”
The pigeons, feeling cornered, approached the suffering donkey. However, one pigeon couldn’t bear it any longer and cried out, “We value love and compassion, and in history, no pigeon has ever caused harm to another living being. How can we separate a mother from her baby?”
The crow, furious and humiliated, barked at the pigeons, “You have all betrayed me! Are you forgetting your vow to never eat grains again? Will you let hunger claim your lives?”
With their heads held low in shame, the pigeons suddenly felt a hard, powerful stone striking the crow’s head, causing intense pain. Terrified, they glanced at a group of children who were aiming more stones at them.
One pigeon asked the crow, “What’s happened to you? What are these young ones holding in their hands?” The crow, moaning in pain, muttered, “Those are slingshots. And they are usually used to target crows like me.”
The pigeons, now realizing the perilous situation they were in, cried out in unison, “Please, spare us! We’re not crows; we are pigeons. We were lured here by this cunning crow. Have mercy and release us!”
The children, hearing their plea, directed their slingshots towards the crow and released him from their tormentors.
The pigeons, with a deep sense of relief, sought the crow’s forgiveness, realizing the value of their freedom and their noble principles. They decided to return to their owner, who provided them with safety, care, and a life of peace.
And so, they left the crow behind, carrying the lessons they had learned – that true freedom doesn’t come at the expense of others, and sometimes, the simplest life is the most content one.