Sensei's story

Sensei was quiet as she took in the Little Owl’s words.  Little Owl then said “Who are you?”  Sensei proceeded to introduce herself.  “I was born a long time ago.  My parents were scholars and they taught me science, medicine and law.  My life has been devoted to learning and protecting those who cannot protect themselves.”  The Little Owl’s eyes widened and he said “You must be very smart.  I wish I knew as much as you do.  Why do you protect those who can’t protect themselves?”  Sensei looked off in the distance knowing that there was a reason for her wanting to protect the weak but did not explain this to the Little Owl at this moment.

Sensei rose from her seat and began to clear the table and asked the Little Owl to help her.  The Little Owl was pleased to be of service to this majestic creature.  It was getting chilly in the room and so Sensei began a fire for them to sit by.  They sat on chairs and there was a brief silence where only the crackling of the wood in the fireplace could be heard.  

Sensei then began to speak.  “My family and I lived on a farm not far from here.   We made our home high up in the rafters in a barn that was on a farmer’s land.  The farmer, named Samuel, was a kind and generous man who helped many poor farmers and people of the community.  His crops were abundant, he grew hay, fruits and vegetables.  When other farmers had trouble feeding their livestock, he would offer some of his hay free of charge until they could afford to buy their own.  He would give children whose parents were too proud to ask for handouts gifts of strawberries and green beans. 

Many of the farms were owned by families where the land had been passed down from generation to generation.  Except at the edge of town there was a farm that was purchased by a wealthy company.  The owners came with large equipment to pick and spray the crops.  The company began to offer money to the farmers who owned the land around them.  The farmers were poor and they took offers that were well below the market value.  Slowly the neighbors began to move out and the large equipment continued to move in.  Samuel saw what was happening and my parents and I could hear him in the barn curse the big company and tell himself never to sell his land.  Up in the rafters, we vowed to help him keep that promise since we also did not want to lose our home. 

We could see from the barn slick cars drive up to Samuel’s house and people in nice clothes get out to talk to Samuel.  Later we would listen from the rafters and hear Samuel complain about the visitors that they were trying to bully him off his farm.  But Samuel wouldn’t budge.

A few months later, in the spring when the crops were ready to be picked, it was evening when I was asleep and my parents woke me to the smell of smoke.  I climbed onto my Mother’s back and we flew from the barn.  We saw a man and woman pouring gasoline around the farm and my parents, with me on my Mother’s back, flew and clawed at them.  The intruders swatted at us but continued their work.  

Samuel was outside of his house and could see his crop being destroyed by fire.  He stood there dumbfounded.  Meanwhile, my parents continued to peck and claw at the man and woman when the woman took out a knife and began swinging it in the air at us.  My Father was darting toward her eyes when she held up her knife and speared him.  My Mother placed me in a tree and began to attack when the man also pulled out a knife and clipped her wing with it.  She was hurt and after several moments of fighting she flew back to the tree where she had left me and without words her breathing became heavy and then silent.   
   

With my Mother laying still next to me, I looked out at the field as it was consumed by fire.  The flames had spread to the barn that was previously my family’s home.  I saw Samuel sobbing but safe from the fire.  I flew toward him, allowing my wing to gently brush his hair and then I flew off into the night without looking back.” 

After telling her story, Sensei and the Little Owl sat silently for several minutes.  The fire in the room was turning into embers and slowly the Little Owl’s eyes became heavy and his head bobbed until he fell asleep.