The Monk and the Peasant

A peasant once unthinkingly

Spread tales about a friend.

But later found the rumors false

And hoped to make amend.

He sought the counsel of a monk,

A man esteemd and wise,

Who heard the peasant's story through

And felt he must advise.

 

The kind monk said: "If you would have

A mind again at peace,

I have a plan whereby you may

From trouble find release.

"Go fill a bag with chicken down

And to each dooryard go

And lay one fluffy feather where

The streams of gossip flow."

 

The peasant did as he was told

And to the monk returned

Elated that his penance was

A thing so quickly earned.

 

"Not yet," the old monk sternly said,

"Take up your bag once more

And gather up the feathers that

You placed at every door."

The peasant, eager to atone,

Went hastening to obey,

No feathers met his sight, the wind

Had blown them all away.

 

MARGARET E. BRUNER