Stories and Information

Donkey

by: David Bouchard

Read the Good Book for my story
That's been told for countless centuries
Of the services I rendered
To your king when he was born.

Ask his mother whom I carried
Of my special place in history
Of the animals around you
Ask her which one she prefers.

Then explain to her the changes
How today I'm much less needed
Transportation and the tractor
How my time is drawing near.

And explain how they've created
Sanctuaries for this poor beast
Who is battered and neglected,
Who of those who shared the manger,
More abused than any other
From my birth until I die.

And her answer, I have heard it
In a stable spoken softly
Will for me, if I am worthy,
Be a place beyond the clouds.

The previous poem and illustration are from a wonderful book by Canadian author David Bouchard. The book, A Barnyard Bestiary, has many moving and beautiful poems. The illustrator is Kimball Allen. The book is available from Orca Book Publishers, Victoria British Columbia. (This poem is reproduced with the permission of David Bouchard)

There are many wonderful storybooks for children about donkeys. I am preparing a list and will make it available on this site.

One of my prize possessions is a book by Frank Brookshier titled, The Burro,* a limited first edition no longer in print. It is an intriguing portrayal of the past and present history of the donkey.

*Note: The Brayer magazine announces that a second edition of this book is now available. I highly recommend that all donkey owners read it.

Johnnie wrote the following which was published in the Asset Fall 2002 magazine:

Keeping Things in Perspective,

As a primary school teacher, I often took my donkeys to school on outdoor Activity Day and set them up in a spot for the children to pet, observe, ask questions and enjoy. One year I took Star Wars and he was a great hit! The anatomy lessons he gave the grade six boys are another story. Ask next time you see me and I will tell you all about it.

The school has many special needs students. ‘Adam’ has Down’s Syndrome and worked hard in grade one to develop language and social skills. As he approached Star Wars he yelled ‘Shrek’ and ran towards him with out-stretched arms. Adam does not immediately do well in new situations and is usually very cautious. He was all over Star Wars, petting him and calling him ‘Shrek.’ Star Wars immediately moved towards the child and gently nuzzled him. After some time I picked Adam up and put him on the donkey’s back. He was delighted and his face beamed. He laid forward and stroked his mane constantly saying ‘Shrek’; and ‘Adam loves donkey’. He lay backwards with his head toward the rump and stared at the clouds for a long time. He never moved or spoke but his eyes told a wonderful story, though at first they filled with big tears. All this time Star Wars barely shifted his weight, seeming to know the gentle soul he had aboard. Adam visited him on and off most of the day, and much to my surprise, Star Wars appeared to look for him as the day went on. It was wonderful. Adam has an assistant who records copious amounts about his experiences and breakthroughs during the school day. The verbal connections, and cognitive awareness Adam demonstrated with Star Wars as well as his calm behavior were remarkable in their happening all at once. However, I truly believe that Adam and Star Wars made a spiritual connection that gave peace to both of them.

Star Wars receives lots of love when he visits school.