The Modified Ten Commandments

Sometimes it pays to be inconspicuous as this little story from Rex Barker proves.

It's Not What It Looks Like...

Three birds were flying south for the winter. Unfortunately, there was an early frost and the birds were caught in high altitude cold. Their wings froze and they fell to the ground where they began to freeze.

Suddenly a cow came by and defecated on the birds. Beneath the blanket of warm dung the birds defrosted and came back to health.

The first bird was so happy at this turn of events that he climbed out of the pile of dung, shook himself clean and began to dance about. This attracted the attention of a nearby cat that pounced on the happy bird and ate him.

By this time the second bird climbed up and stuck his head out of the dung. He was so happy at this turn of events that he began to sing. This attracted the attention of the cat and he pulled the second bird out from the dung and ate him.

At this point the third bird pushed himself out of the side of the dung and, not to attract the cat’s attention, covered with dung, quietly walked over to hide in the high grass. Eventually he met up with his friends who all ridiculed him for his stinking appearance. Nonetheless, third bird lived a long life.

He would later teach his grandchildren his version of the “Ten Commandments”:

1) Never try to fly as highest of the group.
2) Whatever goes up must come down.
3) Not everyone who defecates on you is your enemy.
4) Not everyone who pulls you out of dung is your friend.
5) Never dance as if no one is watching.
6) Never sing as if no one is listening.
7) Keep your mouth shut when others are celebrating their successes.
8) Always dress for the occasion.
9) In an emergency walk, don’t run to the nearest exit.
10) Never be ashamed of your appearance or of where you come from.