The Tongue-Cut Sparrow

Once upon a time, in a tranquil village nestled at the foot of a lush, green mountain, there lived an elderly couple named Tahei and his wife, Obaa. They were known throughout the village for their kindness and generosity. They had a humble little cottage, a small garden, and a few farm animals to tend to. However, their most prized possession was a majestic bamboo tree that grew in their garden.

This bamboo tree was no ordinary tree; it was enormous, its leaves lush and green, and its trunk as thick as two grown men. Tahei and Obaa cherished it as if it were their own child. They believed that the spirit of the tree brought them good fortune and happiness, and they treated it with the utmost care and respect.

One crisp, autumn morning, as the sun gently caressed the village with its warm rays, Tahei was tending to the garden when he noticed something extraordinary. High up in the branches of the bamboo tree, there perched a beautiful sparrow, its feathers shimmering like precious gems.

Obaa, who was inside the cottage preparing breakfast, heard Tahei's excited shouts. Rushing outside, she saw the enchanting bird and marveled at its beauty. They both watched in awe as the sparrow sang the sweetest melodies they had ever heard. It was a moment of pure magic.

For days, the couple observed the sparrow's daily visits, singing to them from the bamboo tree. Tahei and Obaa felt blessed by this unexpected companion, and they decided to leave a small bowl of rice out for the sparrow each day, as a token of their gratitude. The sparrow, in turn, continued to sing and brought joy to their hearts.

However, their happiness was not to last. There lived in the same village a spiteful, greedy neighbor named Isamu. He could not stand the fact that Tahei and Obaa were blessed with such a beautiful and wondrous bird. Consumed by jealousy, he hatched a wicked plan to steal the sparrow away.

One chilly morning, when Tahei and Obaa were away, Isamu crept into their garden with a cage in hand. He knew that the best time to capture the sparrow was when it came to enjoy its daily meal. As the innocent sparrow perched on the bamboo branch, singing its heart out, Isamu swiftly trapped it inside the cage and sealed the door.

When Tahei and Obaa returned home and found their beloved sparrow missing, their hearts sank. They searched high and low but could find no trace of their feathery friend. Only Isamu knew the sparrow's whereabouts, and he reveled in the sorrow he had caused.

Inside his cottage, Isamu gloated as he watched the beautiful sparrow, trapped and helpless, inside the cage. He decided that he would keep the bird as his own and show it off to the entire village, earning admiration and envy from his neighbors.

However, Isamu's malevolence didn't end there. He decided to play a cruel trick on Tahei and Obaa. He went to their cottage and told them a fabricated story, saying that he had seen the sparrow fly away and was now lost forever. Tahei and Obaa were heartbroken but still grateful for the days they had spent with their cherished bird.

As the days passed, Isamu reveled in his newfound popularity, parading the beautiful sparrow in its cage before the villagers. They all admired the bird's exquisite plumage and the melodious songs it sang. Isamu basked in their envy and praise, and he felt proud of his deceit.

One day, as Isamu was showing off the sparrow, something remarkable happened. The sparrow began to sing a song that was unlike any other. Its voice was filled with sadness and longing, and its words were hauntingly beautiful:

"Though you cage my body, my spirit soars free,

In the realm of the bamboo, where my heart yearns to be.

Kindness once showered, love so pure and true,

Now lost in deception, my song is my adieu."

As the sparrow sang, tears welled up in the eyes of the villagers. They realized that the sparrow's song was a lament for its lost freedom and the kindness it had received from Tahei and Obaa. Isamu's trick was exposed, and the villagers turned against him, condemning his greed and deceit.

Feeling the weight of their judgment, Isamu released the sparrow from its cage, and it soared into the sky, back to its beloved bamboo tree. Tahei and Obaa, who had followed the commotion, saw the sparrow return and were overjoyed. The sparrow, despite its ordeal, continued to sing its sweet melodies for them.

Isamu, on the other hand, was left to ponder the consequences of his actions. He had lost the respect of his neighbours, and the shame of his greed weighed heavily on his conscience.

Moral of the story

Kindness and gratitude are gifts that should never be taken for granted.

Application in everyday life

Value the bonds of friendship and trust 

Just as Tahei and Obaa cherished the sparrow's companionship, we should appreciate the friendships and relationships in our lives. Betraying trust for personal gain, as Isamu did, can lead to loneliness and regret.

Practice kindness and gratitude

Tahei and Obaa's simple act of leaving out rice as a token of gratitude brought them joy and a beautiful friendship. In our daily lives, showing kindness and expressing gratitude can foster positive relationships and create a harmonious community.

Beware of jealousy and greed

Isamu's jealousy and greed led him down a dark path, causing harm to others and ultimately bringing shame upon himself. It's crucial to recognize these negative emotions in ourselves and strive to overcome them, promoting a more compassionate and understanding world.

Honesty and humility

Isamu's deception led to his downfall, while the sparrow's honest song revealed the truth. Being honest and humble in our actions, admitting our mistakes, and seeking forgiveness can lead to redemption and reconciliation.

Freedom is precious 

The sparrow's longing for freedom serves as a reminder that freedom is a precious gift. We should respect the rights and choices of others, allowing them to live their lives in freedom and happiness.

In the end, "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" reminds us that acts of kindness, gratitude, and honesty can lead to happiness and fulfillment, while jealousy, greed, and deceit can bring about sorrow and regret. It encourages us to choose the path of goodness and empathy in our everyday lives, enriching our own existence and the lives of those around us.