An Extraordinary Friendship

by Paul H   Oct 4, 2021


There happened to be an Elephant with purple skin
That caused many a child to laugh and to grin,
They considered it strange, and so ‘out of place’
That, a cheeky smile ne’er left each mischievous face,
They laughed so much that they even shed tears:

“A Purple Elephant, with purple ears!
Who ever heard such a silly thing,
Next we’ll be hearing the Elephant sing."

On this did continue for many a day,
Each time he felt more hurt, so full of dismay,
He thought about travelling, far, far away –
“Perhaps then, my skin will be the normal grey?”
Thus he did reason inside his mind,
This way he'd be leaving his shame behind.
But, as he thought on, he began to realise
That his shame wasn’t what they saw with their eyes
But, how they made him feel, deep inside,
All this is what continued to wound his pride.

Suddenly, one bright and sunny day
A small Blue Mouse just happened by his way.
The Purple Elephant instinctively let out a scream
From the fear and shock at what he had seen!
He was just about to turn, quickly away,
When, his attention was caught, as the Blue Mouse did say:
“Please, there’s no need for you to fear me
I’m only a little, quiet Blue Mouse, as you can see.
Why is it that you’re afraid and nervous too?
Please, tell me how I can help – I'd really like to. "

And so the Purple Elephant related his troubles and woes;
How he seemed to have few friends, but much more foes.
The little Blue Mouse gave him such caring advice,
Of which he thought was ever so nice:

“Don’t you worry about how others see you,
Because, when it comes to real beauty, they haven’t a clue.
Your strength of character is something I admire.
You battle on, where others weaken and tire;
You’re tall in stature, big hearted as well.
How do I know? I’ve observed you and can tell.”

The Purple Elephant smiled, and a tear glistened in his eye,
He found her words very touching, and did thus reply:

“O thank you so much, for your kind words so true,
Now, I wonder, is there a favour I can do for you?”

To this the Blue Mouse did humbly ask:
(Which to her, was an enormouse task)

“If you would lift me up to that delicious cheese
Then, O my soul it would really please!”

And so, the Purple Elephant fulfilled her desire –
Upon his trunk he lifted her, higher and higher
Onto the mantelpiece where she ate her reward,
And, guess what – those cheeky children were there to applaud!

Later, in private, the Purple Elephant made mention
About her being blue, though with some apprehension:

“Why is it you also are an unusual colour, as I?
I suppose you too have been given the quizzical eye?”

The little Blue Mouse did then convey
How it is that she is blue, right down to this day:

“I’m not an unusual colour – all the others are!
I come from a noble line, by the name of Farquar.
My famous ancestors (or, so it’s understood)
Were of the Aristocracy, with royal blood!
So my blue colour must originate with those
Whose position was famous, and so my heart glows.”

It was obvious that she was proud of being blue,
She was only ‘unusual’ because she was one of ‘the few’.
This, the Purple Elephant readily took to heart,
He thought his attitude was like a poison dart
That, very quickly affects the body, in every part.
Her attitude made him feel of a ‘special’ kind,
And so, he determined to bear in mind
That we can make ourselves feel like a king or slave,
It all depends on how we behave.

Since that day when, true friends they became,
Their strong bond, their rapport, does still remain.
This extraordinary friendship has yet to be broken,
And their loyalty has often been spoken
Throughout many of England’s villages and towns,
And the birds in the trees also, make agreeable sounds.
Yes, the Purple Elephant continues to be a reliable friend,
And both their loyalties have ne’er been seen to bend.

When a mouse comes across the path of an elephant,
We all know which one will rave, and will rant –
Yet, there’s a difference in this story that’s true,
Of a Purple Elephant that made friends with a mouse quite blue.
Usually, from a Mouse, an Elephant will run away,
But, this occurrence was unique, in a most special way;
The Blue Mouse was prepared to dispel his fears,
And, with a little love, did melt away his tears.
In response, the Purple Elephant, a favour did grant,
And, on his cheek, a gentle kiss she did plant.
From that moment, this extraordinary friendship did begin,
And, apart from appearances, they seemed kith and kin.

The moral of this story is: Do not go by
The appearance on the outside or, it will end in a sigh.
And when you think others look at you with disgust,
Always seek out true friends, those you can trust.

Because of this friendship, perhaps it may be true
That the familiar saying (oft said by me and you)
Was first uttered in a determined breath,
“An Elephant never forgets” – right down to his death.

Source of inspiration: A Get Well Card!

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