The Tortoise and The Dove.

Before I tell this tale let me point out some facts, especially to my friends who are not Africans. In the African societies, the Tortoise is perceived as a shrewd and cunny animal. Naturally slow and quiet, one might ponder why this animal is generally considered a cunny fellow. I don't know the reason as well, but it has been this way since I was a kid. This short tale is perhaps not my best Tortoise story but a moral I love it possesses. And each time a tale is to be told here in the countryside, we sit under some tree shade on moonlit nights out listening to a tale teller. The Dove and the Tortoise. In a certain land. The Tortoise made friends with the Dove. The Dove was a stammerer so couldn't talk properly. They lived together and ate together. One day, the Tortoise made a law; if you must eat you must pronounce your name. On that day they made porridge and the Tortoise shouted his name. He crawled up to the food and started eating. The Dove tried calling his name but all he could say was 'Dodovo, Dod, Dovoo'. This continued till the food finished. Recall that the Dove was a stammerer. The next day it was Doves turn to make a law. And his law was, if you must eat you must wash your hands without soiling them. The meal was soup. The Dove washed up and 'flew' up to the food. The Tortoise washed and as he crawled towards the food, he soiled them. Remember he could only crawl. He tried again and again, to nothing. It dawned on him that he lost. He sat down and cried. The Dove ate all the soup and laughed. After this they decided not to make any other selfish laws in the house. They lived in peace once more... I believe the morals are visible and I hope we all take others into consideration before we make our decisions. I'm out for the day!