The Jackdaw and the Pigeons

A jackdaw, which is a kind of crow, once noticed a group of well fed pigeons in a pigeon keep enjoying a protected life and living happily together. These enticing arrangements were too good to pass up. He decided he would like to join them, so he whitened his feathers and snuck in to their flock just as it was getting dark. No one seemed to notice; by being quiet he was able to blend in. But gradually, he became bolder and his gratified chuckling at his good fortune began to draw some attention. It wasn't long before he forgot himself completely and let out his natural caw. His voice betrayed him instantly. The pigeons, furious they had been deceived, drove him out in shame. Unfortunately, when he tried to rejoin his former jackdaw comrades, they had seen what he had been up to as some white flecks still clung to his feathers. They wanted nothing more to do with him and he was forever shunned from their clan.

By changing ourselves to have what others possess, trying to be what we are not, we may lose what we do have.

illustration © Johanna Westerman