Crow and Peacock

• The Crow and the Peacock by Dr. Wajuppa Tossa and Prasong Saihong

Listen in Lao and  English  

Now in those days the crow and the peacock both had plain white feathers.

One day they were playing in a field of brightly colored flowers.

"Look, friend Peacock. Don't you wish we wore bright colors like those flowers?"

"I think that would be wonderful, friend Crow. I am tired of these plain white feathers."

Then crow had an idea.  "Why don't we PAINT ourselves?  I can paint your feathers and you can paint mine!"

The peacock agreed.  So the next day Crow began to paint Peacock's feathers. He used the most beautiful colors.  He painted peacock's breast and head a magnificent blue.  On peacock's tail feathers he drew elaborate designs. He created large rainbow spots like brilliant eyes on peacock's tail.  Crow spent many hours painting his friend.  When he was finished Peacock spread his tail feathers and began to strut around. He wanted to go and show everyone his beautiful feathers.

"Now it is your turn to paint me," said Crow.

But Peacock did not want to waste time drawing designs on Crow.  He simply took a pot of black ink and poured it over crow's head.

"There you are. That should do."

And the proud Peacock strutted off to show his feathers to the world.  So today the crow is all plain.

And even though Peacock IS beautiful,  It is clear that he is too proud for his own good.