One afternoon after Buzzard, Bat and Bumblebee had finished sharing their letters, Bumblebee asked if Buzzard and Bat were interested in his story. “Well that’s a great idea and why not,” replied Buzzard and Bat.

“Last night I dreamed that life takes on a new meaning when one discovers that he or she is a treasure in the field and a pearl of great price,” Bumblebee moved a bit closer to continue.

“It took me the whole of last night and today to unveil the meaning of my own dream. I have pondered and asked myself what this dream means but I haven’t found any answers yet. I bet the two of you will help me interpret this dream,” Bumblebee said.

“My friend, you know very well that I am not a good thinker and not even an interpreter”, answered Bat. “For a creature like me, the best thing I would do is wait for the answer from the two of you.”

“And what about you Buzzard?” asked Bumblebee. “I am with Bat,” replied Buzzard. “This dream is so difficult for a bird like me to interpret. I am sorry to tell you that my mind is too little for such a challenging task,” Buzzard looked at the ground as if guilty.

“My friends, don’t be too worried. I know one day we will find the answer to my dream. I have asked you to help me because I am also on the same boat as the two of you; our minds are just too small to think beyond the lines,” Bumblebee told Bat and Buzzard.

“But this is not a problem, we have to be happy because we are unique and special in our own ways”, Bumblebee affirmed.

A sign of confusion embraced Buzzard and Bat, though they looked relieved.

Buried in the belly of that smothering hour of confusion, a very powerful voice silenced all the thoughts and wonders of Buzzard, Bat and Bumblebee. “Stay calm and do not be afraid,” called a deep and powerful voice.

“I know how desperate you are in unveiling the hidden mysteries of Bumblebee’s dream. I will certainly help you with its answer,” the voice continued.

“Whose strong voice is this?” the three friends whispered.

“I am Totopiok the giant, the owner of this Island. I must say to the three of you that I have always enjoyed your discussions and the letters you read to each other. I have learnt a lot from your sharing and would like to thank you for being part of my growth,” said Totopiok.

“Every time you shared your life giving and life draining experiences, I would crawl out of my cave and listen carefully to the three of you,” Totopiok revealed.

Fear and confusion crept down the spines of Buzzard, Bat and Bumblebee after Totopiok’s friendly comments.

“Do you want me to interpret Bumblebee’s dream for you?” the giant asked. “Yes please, tell us now Totopiok,” the three friends said together.

“Iit is very simple,” Totopiok cleared his throat. “I am going to ask the three of you to close your eyes and after I count to three, I will take you to the place where you will find the answer. Then I will ask you to open your eyes. How is it?” “This is great. We are all with you Totopiok,” answered Buzzard, Bat and Bumblebee.

After the first and second count of three as instructed by Totopiok the three friends were surprised to find themselves in three separate prison cells.

Buzzard was placed in a pen 6 feet by 8 feet with no roof. Bat was placed on a smooth flat floor and Bumblebee was in an open glass. The three best friends were prisoners. They struggled to free themselves but remained absolute prisoners in their cells.

The truth about the prisoners

A buzzard, despite its ability to fly will make no attempt to fly if put in a pen 6 feet by 8 feet or less without any roof. It will remain an absolute prisoner because a buzzard will always begin its flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 11 feet. Without space to run, as its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail.

The ordinary bat that flies around at night, if placed on the floor or flat ground will shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

On the other hand, if a bumblebee is dropped into an open glass it will remain there until it dies unless it is taken out. The bumblebee will see no means of escape through the opening at the top but will persist in trying to find a way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists until it completely destroys itself.

The moral of the prisoners’ story

In many ways we are like the buzzard, the bat and the bumblebee. As children, sometimes we do not obey our parents and we struggle with frustration. We do not often realize that all we have to do is look up to our parents for support, comfort and so on.

Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around, but to be good and obedient we have to look up to our parents who are our first domestic teachers.

Our parents are like Totopiok the giant; they know our weaknesses and at most times, they want us to be creative. It is our creativity in all that we do that will rescue us from our prison cells and one way is for us to seek help and support always from our parents and those in authority.

As children we have to live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust our parents who love and care for us. Creativity is what we have to strive for no matter how big or small we are.