How Crow Got Her Caw

How Crow Got Her Caw

This fable begins,

As these stories do,

Back when the earth was young

And everything was new.

Each bird had a voice.

Each one, big or small,

Shared the conversation and dreams

Of what could become for all.

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As they gathered, clothed in soft gray

Or brilliant plumes of scarlet and blue,

They all felt welcomed and included.


They were We together,

Not separated into Me and You.


Between conversations, they took to the air,

Flying in swoops, circles, and darts.

Each in their own style and dance

With freedom’s joy beating in their hearts.

And, so it went, as time slipped by

Until one day Crow raised the question,

“If we keep doing what we’re doing, although

it’s fun,

How are we going to arrive at a destination?

How do we stay warm in the winter?

How do we get enough to eat?

How do we raise our families?

Deciding for all will be quite a feat!”


“You are so clever, Crow,” said the wren.

“Why don’t you take the lead

To help us decide how we get

What it is that we need?”

Crow cocked her head and began to strut,

Her black plumes shining in the sun.

Her voice flowed in inviting tones

As she declared, “There’s enough for everyone.

If the smallest takes the least,

And everyone, by size, takes the rest.

There will be contests of beauty and wit

To decide who will get the best.”

Conversations stopped and the air stilled.

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Each looked at the other and began to see

The differences between them

And We became You and Me.

But they lined up for each contest,

Determined to win,

As Crow won and won

And what was left got thin.

“What will we eat and where will we stay,

If Crow takes the best and the most?”

“If you want more, you need to be like me,”

Said Crow in a sneering boast.

“You must be beautiful, clever, and best.

You must know how to structure the game.

You can’t worry about those who fail.

Take what you want and let them feel blame.”

At this point in the story,

A benevolent being with great power

Shows up to take charge of the show –

Comes to the rescue at the critical hour.

But that’s not what happened here.

As the birds protested and cried,

Crow talked more and louder - claiming

She only told the truth – never lied.

Dusk settled, drawing birds to their beds,

And quiet song filled the darkening sky.

Crow chose a high branch for the night

Plotting a winning strategy to ply.

For winning regardless of cost was her concern.

She had no remorse for those who had less.

Let them figure out how to survive.

After her share, there would be some surplus.


In a soft dawn, bird melodies greeted a new day.

Crow woke - her throat feeling raw.

She gathered herself to win verbal battle,

Opened her beak and heard CAW.

The raucous sound reverberated in the air,

Sending all into hiding. Silencing all singing.

Crow shook her gorgeous plumes and sang again,

But CAW rang out and kept ringing.

While this story ends with birds still divided,

It’s not hopeless because now they know.

Selfishness can’t hide beneath beauty and wit.

It has the caw of a Crow.

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Valerie DesBiens CIC CRM CPIW

Principal Consultant at RM Consulting ServicesLLC "We work outside the box!"

1 年

This is a well thought out philosophical thread--I think it makes perfect sense, or rather, is very much needed today, and practiced. Thanks very too much!

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Colleen Lewis

Events Coordinator, Career Center at University of Oregon

1 年

So much dividedness in the world today. Thank you for sharing Darby, and providing this thoughtfulness.

Robin Brown-Wood

Owner, ALMA CATERING, LLC

1 年

Life lessons can come from a myriad of sources--even the unexpected. It behooves us to always keep an open heart, mind, and eyes for such lessons. Thank You Darby for providing 'food for our souls'??????

Mark Herbert

Managing Principal New Paradigms LLC

1 年

Incredible parable Darby. Look beneath the plumage for true character

Marvin Revoal

Helping businesses, governments, and communities understand what is a business state of mind and how to benefit from it.

1 年

This is something we should all be aware of if we choose to only think of ourselves. Sharing is easy if we try!

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