Storytime: The Watering Hole

Finding a solution to one problem led to an even bigger one for two sweltering storks

An over-crowded pond is an elephant-sized problem for two sweltering storks.

Once upon a time, wildebeests and zebras filled the watering hole. Some were drinking, others playing and splashing. Some were standing still and trying to cool off in the blazing sun.

Sky Stork stood at the edge of the sand and said, “If they keep drinking so much water and splashing it out of the hole, there soon won’t be any left. The watering hole is already smaller and the rainy season won’t arrive for another three weeks.”

“You’re right,” said Houston Stork. “It’s so crowded that there’s no room for us. We can’t get a drink or get in there to cool off our legs.”

“It’s only fair that they leave and give us a turn,” said Sky.

“How do we get them out?” asked Houston. “They’re bigger than we are and some of them have sharp horns. Even if we ask them politely, they won’t listen. Even if we flap our wings, they won’t move.”

Sky nodded. “There’s only one thing to do. Bring in the big guns.”

“Oh, no,” said Houston. “I hate violence. Someone might get hurt. I don’t want that to happen. Especially not to me!”

“No, you silly bird,” said Sky. “By the big guns, I mean elephants. They’re bigger than the zebras and wildebeests and they’ll get them out!”

Sky and Houston found the elephants just over the grassy knoll and convinced them to come and clear the zebras and wildebeests out of the watering hole.

Sure enough, when the elephants arrived, the other animals left.

But Sky and Houston still couldn’t use the watering hole.

Now it was filled with elephants, all of them drinking and playing and splashing as if they had every intention in the world of staying there for some time.

“Ahem,” said Sky. “Houston, we still have a problem. Now, how do we get this herd of elephants out of the watering hole?” ■