Once upon a time, in the sunlit lands of Somalia where the winds sweep across open plains and the hum of buses carries down long dusty roads, there lived three unlikely companions, a dog, a goat, and a donkey. These three, with different natures and fortunes, decided one day to travel together to another country. Though animals and humans lived in separate worlds, in the time of folktales, beasts could speak, reason, and act just as men do, and so begins their curious journey.
When dawn broke, the three set off, paws and hooves stirring the dust until they reached the roadside where a great bus stood waiting. The donkey, sturdy and patient, carried a small load on his back. The goat trotted nervously, while the dog bounded forward, tail wagging in excitement. Together they climbed aboard, eager to ride into a land beyond their own.
Soon the conductor came to collect fares. The cost was five birr for each passenger. The dog, eager to be fair, handed over a ten-birr note. Yet when the conductor pocketed the money, no change returned. The dog’s ears drooped, but he said nothing for the moment.
The donkey, calm as always, presented his exact five birr. He leaned back, content that he owed nothing more. But the goat, poor and unprepared, had no money at all. Her eyes darted nervously as she crouched low, trying to hide from the conductor’s sharp gaze. She prayed no one would notice her unpaid seat.
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The bus rumbled along the Somali roads, past thorny acacia trees, scattered villages, and wide stretches of desert. Each animal sat with its own thoughts. The dog fumed, still thinking of his lost five birr. The donkey chewed quietly and felt no worry. The goat trembled with fear, dreading the moment the conductor might demand her fare.
At last, the bus arrived at its destination. The doors swung open, and the passengers spilled out. The donkey stepped down slowly, steady and at ease, satisfied that all was well. The goat leapt from the bus and dashed away, head lowered, determined to avoid being caught for riding without paying. But the dog could not contain his grievance. He barked furiously at the departing bus: “Give me my five birr! My five birr!” His voice echoed down the road as he chased after the vehicle.
And so, the tale explains the habits of these animals to this day. The dog is often seen running after buses, barking as though still demanding the five birr stolen long ago. The goat always flees from buses, fearing discovery for her unpaid ride. The donkey, calm and unmoving, stands where he is, at peace, for his fare was paid in full.
Moral Lesson
This Somali folktale teaches that peace of mind comes only from honesty and fairness. The dog’s endless chase shows how unresolved injustice leaves a lasting wound. The goat’s flight shows the burden of guilt carried by those who take without paying. The donkey’s calmness reflects the contentment of integrity, when you do what is right, you live without fear.
The story reminds us that whether in trade, friendship, or duty, fairness creates peace while deceit or exploitation brings unease. True freedom lies in paying what we owe and acting justly.
Knowledge Check
Q1: Why does the dog chase after buses in this folktale?
A1: Because he paid ten birr but never received his five birr change.
Q2: What did the goat do to avoid paying her fare?
A2: She tried to hide on the bus because she had no money.
Q3: Why was the donkey calm after the journey?
A3: Because he paid his exact five birr and felt safe.
Q4: What does the dog’s behavior symbolize?
A4: It symbolizes resentment and unrest caused by dishonesty or unfair loss.
Q5: What cultural origin does this folktale belong to?
A5: It is a Somali folktale.
Q6: What key moral does the donkey’s behavior teach?
A6: That honesty and responsibility bring peace and security.
Source: Somali folktale, Somalia.
