I had written in yesterday's post that Paco had not attended the Big Ear Dress Rehearsal, being led to believe he was in the barn quietly and grumpily preparing lights for Tuesday's real Big Ear Ball. But after doing barn chores this morning, I found a note tacked to the water bucket: "On the Big Ear train to DC. Will email. Home on Sunday. Love,Paco."
Well, at first I was upset, worried, and angry he had gone without my consent. I never would have let him go. He is not worldly, and to be honest, I'm worried to death. But with all the secret service agents, I have hope he will remain safe. I can't imagine them letting a little donkey on that train, but, it appears he is there now and is part of history.
Near the same note he left, I found a pad of paper. At the top it said, "In case I am called upon to speak to the herds." Their were many crossed out words, and it clearly stated it was a draft. As I read it, I yearned to be there with him, to applaud him for his thoughts. For Paco, the one member of the farm who is so misunderstood by so many, seemed to capture a real spirit of optimism we are all capable of. His grumpiness covers a heart and soul that just need some encouragement and a safe place to fail.
So I will share his speech with you, as I really doubt it would ever be covered by the media, if he were to be called on to speak. "It is time to put down our sticks, which can only serve as a symbol of our cynicism masked in grumpiness and fear. And while we must defend our own herds, we must not lose sight that we are also here to teach our herds, help our herds, bring them food and adequate medical attention. We must strive to stick together, and understand that when the water buckets are empty, there will always be a rainfall at some point. We must care for our lands, and poop on them, but spread it around to help all the little grasses, and yes, even the weeds. We must remember, two footers, four footers, winged ones and those that crawl on your bellies - that we are all here together, and we all have something to learn, and teach, and share. One must understand the fences we have around us are to protect us from the night lurkers, but we must never frown or kick at the aged cat that might wander in our fields. We must not judge the species that are weaker, or smaller, or come from far away places simply to eat our wheats and grasses. For they bring with them the same thing we possess - hearts, souls, the capacity to serve in the herd for the betterment of all. And in closing, I urge all of us to love one another, no matter what kind of ass appears before you. God Bless my farm, and my herd, and God Bless President Obama, and also I'd like to bless all the apples and pie too."
I can't wait for him to return on Sunday night.
--The End--
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If you value my writing and illustration presented on this blog, consider making a small $1-$5 donation to Donkey Dreams to help my animals causes, and to help defer the data transfer fees of this blog. Thank you.
