Me…. Blacky … a 100 year old Crow

Celebrations just over and I came back to my electric line where I live alone for the last 10 years. Today was my 100th birthday. I am extremely delighted and satisfied of giving an impeccable banquette to my friends. It was my long-time desire to treat my friends, whenever I meet them I felt guilty why because of not treating them as they treated me. Actually, I was waiting for this day to come. The moment I realized the variations in weather I got this sign that my birthday is nearing soon, Then I rushed to meet my best friend "Negro"

“Negro crow”,  she was my nestmate over a decade ago...Now she is a busy, famous event coordinator among our bird's community. She is very intelligent in organizing programs especially having a knack for finding isolated places for celebrations where human interventions are less and also have a broad knowledge about the liked food items of every bird, So almost all kinds of birds approach her for hosting their programs and they would offer her with foods as fees, which ranges from grains, earthworms to fruits. Now she is leading a grandeur life.

I got a warm welcome to her rich nest called “NEGRO’S MANSION” which is at the apex of the tallest Teak tree surrounded by many Mango trees and a pond beneath it. Servant crows ushered me to her office which is under the next branch of the teak tree. The way she received me was quite emotional which lasted for a few minutes, To her surprise, I informed her about the purpose of my visit during our talks. She was extremely thrilled and offered birthday wishes in advance and she promised me that she would host my birthday celebration and commissioned her servants to start preparations for that and I was asked to start the invitation. Later we had lunch together from the mango tree along with the grains which I brought to her.  

When I left there, I didn’t even know about, From where to start? To who all I should invite for my birthday. For a crow who has been living alone for over a decade, self abstained from all kinds of relationships having no kids and partners for over a two-decade ……….. I thought to myself that there is no point in pondering more about that. Leaving this aside I went to invite my friends whom I meet every day at the ridge of the fields.

"Beaky" and her husband once rescued me from the attack of humans. I owe to them every single moment. I'm bound to invite them first. Soon I flew to their nest and invited them. Their happiness had no boundaries which completely blown my heart. They value my friendship. When I was flying to invite my friend sparrow, thinking about the value of relationships, tears often blocked my sight.

Around 2 years ago, I made an accident that left a grievous injury on my leg. Then there was this sparrow who came to me and shared some foods and also cajoled me to walk and fly and together we went to consult one owl physician and soon I cured. On the same day, I have witnessed something extremely horrible and sorrowful among humans. It was very dreadful to see that some cops and humans were carrying an old lady out from an isolated hut who was found dead because of hunger and lack of care. I felt despise over the humans who thronged there only for capturing photos after her death.

I admire our communities than humans. Controversies are common among creatures. If we..crows have any problems, we used to quarrel each other at the moment and resolves everything. We don’t bear any hatred and prejudice anymore. But humans are not. That incident and many more other like that exemplifies the real human behavior. So I can't ever forget my sparrow bird.

Sparrow recently gave birth to two adorable babies. I offered them some nuts and blessed them. She happily received my invitation. Flying out from there I decided to call all my neighboring crows. I occasionally talk to them, albeit they are my neighbors .we mutually need everyone.

I knew in my heart that I need to call some of my special acquaintances also. But I didn’t even know about their habitat. But I went to meet my "Pinky" cow for informing her about my birthday ceremony.

There is an unbreakable bond between Pinky and me. She stills keeps aside some cattle feeds for me every single evening. What a great thing? How selfless she is? She knows that she would not get anything in return from this tiny blackbird. When I reached her house, her owner was milking her so I was afraid to approach but she acknowledged my presence by making her usual sound “MOOOOOOO”.

I waited there till her owner leaves her alone . we talked each other for some time and then she sent me with  a lot of blessings .

Today was that day . I was excited to welcome everyone. Negro and her servants reached here when the dawn had reached at its peak .  Later all my neighbours  had arrived followed by my Sparrow , Beaky and her husband. Sparrow was very scared of the electric lines  . So she refused to sit there on my house. Realising about the lack of amenities in my home , Negro soon directed us to the nearby forest where she had arranged my birthday party . She was amazing ,Everything was ready there on the top of a Jackfruit tree . We together ate one  pulpy Jackfruit till noon will full of joy .  I felt immense pleasure after a long time .On this time sparrow went to her nest twice  to feed her kids .Some other non invited stranger crows snuffed it and tried to join with us . But Negro peacefully  send them away because she had  some  other plans .

she instructed us to  carry some foods in the beak and follow her. We reached on a tree in the mid forest where I saw  some impaired crows in a nest .  Negro told me to offer all our foods to them . Later I came to know that it was a nest owned by Negro aimed to protect our fellow crows those who suffer from several health issues . I felt utmost respect to her .  Negro owns many other nests like this where she has appointed some nurse crows to take care of those poors .

We shifted our evening functions to a Papaya tree  and later  we went to a nearby beach. There also we had a lot of fun . I wept at the end of party. Negro patted on my body and others consoled me .

Before saying bye to everyone I informed my heartfelt gratitude to everyone especially I embraced Negro for arranging such an an amazing and memorable birthday party . 

Just now I reached here on my electric line . Today I realized something which is literally true .Every life is precious . We have to make it more precious through our deeds  .Truth and Dharma always shed light to our lives and to our posterity so we should ensure that these should  to be the foundation of life.

We must value everyone around us . We cannot live apart . We all are closely knit together through strong invisible threads . So far I have been constantly misleading my  valuable life without realizing the facts. From tomorrow on wards I am gonna join with Negro to work for the well being of others . 

                                                🙏 " LOKHA SAMASTHA SUKHINO BHAVANTHU"🙏