Everyone knew the emu that lived at the end of the street. What they did not know was why he hid in his house all day and only came out at night. They knew he came out at night because Perry Possum, who worked the night shift cleaning the streets, had seen him strutting about the front yard of his home.
The emu had only moved to the small town of Numbat Flats a short time ago and the towns’ folk were curious about him. They wanted to welcome him to the town but as he never came out during the day, no one could talk to him to say, “Hi mate. Welcome to town.”
Sir Percival Platypus the eighteenth was a bit of a busy body. His family had been in Numbat Flats for longer than anyone could remember. He could not understand anyone who kept to themselves and was determined to welcome the strange bird to the community.
He left a note for Perry Possum to speak with the emu and invite him to a town picnic that Sir Percival was going to hold in his honour.
Perry came to work that night and saw the note. He did not think that the emu would talk to him, but Sir Percival had asked him to do this small job and he would give it a try. Perry went on about his rounds until some time late that night he saw the emu strolling around his front yard.
Perry, not wanting to intrude on the emu’s quiet time padded quietly up the street and very cautiously cleared his throat. The emu heard the noise Perry made and jumped high in the air as if he had been bitten by a snake. This scared Perry so much that he wanted to run off and not come back.
But Perry had a job to do so, getting all his courage together he called out, “Hi mate. I do not mean to bother you but the mayor has asked me to speak to you. He wants you to come to a town picnic being held in honour of your arrival. He said that it will be at midday tomorrow. What do you say? Want to come along?”
The emu looked at Perry and shook his head rapidly back and forth and his knees started to knock together. Perry felt bad seeing this and said, “Look mate. I do not even know your name. I did not mean to scare you. I was just doing my job.”
Seeing Perry’s discomfort, the emu stuttered, “I-i-i-t’s ok. I-I-I-I am really v-v-very shy. I d-d-d-do not w-w-want you g-g-getting in t-t-trouble. I-I-I-I’ll go. I j-j-just do n-n-not want anyone to laugh at me.”
Perry, feeling sorry for the emu said, “Thanks mate. I appreciate it. Look, my name is Perry Possum. Welcome to town.” The emu looked at Perry and said, “Promise n-n-not to l-l-laugh.” and Perry shook his head saying, “I promise.”
“The r-r-r-reason I a-a-am so shy is bec-be-because of my name.” Perry interrupted at this point and said, “That’s no reason to be shy mate. I think the mayor has the worst name around. He is Sir Percival Platypus the eighteenth.” At this both the emu and Perry laughed. Then the emu said, “M-m-maybe you are right. Maybe my name is not so bad after all.”
Perry noticed that the emu’s stutter seemed to be a bit better and he said, “So Mr Emu, what do I call you and what do I tell the mayor?” The emu replied, “I will attend the picnic Perry. Please tell Sir Percival that Ennis Emu would be happy to attend his picnic.” Perry noticed that Ennis no longer seemed shy or embarrassed about his name.
The next day Sir Percival Platypus proudly introduced the newest member of the community of Numbat Flats to all the other residents. Ennis felt happy and proud to be a part of this town’s community and was no longer bashful about his name.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I love it. This is just like a community of Humans. Looking forward to further instalments.
Somone’s last blog post..Why We Need Red Wine At Christmas
I am so PLEASED Ennis Emu overcame his embarrassment about his NAME! It makes me wonder if some of my old friends ever got over THEIR names: Jim Hapoota, James Bucket, Steve Bushyhead…
this story really challenges me to be more selfless and keep an eye out for others that do[and they do]feel assamed of who they are, wether it be a name,big ears,funny voice etc.
Kevin
Thank you for the wonderful comment. You have really gleaned the underlying message within the story.
I look forward to hearing from you again.
Timberwolf
How wonderful it was of Mayor Sir Percival Platypus the eighteenth had Perry Possum go and talk with Ennis Emu. There are many “Ennis Emu’s” in our world. Many who have been ridiculed for smaller things than their names and many never come out of their shells, just because there are not those who will grab the “bull by the horns” (so to speak) and try to make them feel that they are actually a part of our society and that they have every right to enjoy the world as the next person.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story!!!
Holly Jo
This is a story I wrote for my children. It was designed to contain elements of morality to assist them in understanding that all those around them are equal in spirit and understanding even if they don’t show it straight away.
Thank you for the comment and I am glad you enjoyed the story.
Timberwolf