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The Owl And The Carpenter
By The Bear Paw
Last edited: Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Posted: Tuesday, August 05, 2003
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This was written when my son Jacob was three years old and wouldn't sleep because of the owl hooting outside his bedroom window every night. After we read many books about owls, I put this story together. He’s never stayed awake again because of owls. This story has never been edited either. It is just as it was read to him then…
"The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man's heart, away from nature, becomes hard; he knew that lack of respect for growing, living things, soon leads to lack of respect for humans, too!
Luther Standing Bear (Lakota)
To Jacob: may you always be aware of your surroundings
Once upon a moonlit night, a Carpenter was trying to sleep in the cabin he built near the edge of the deep woods. All the night long he would hear a cry -- a long, lonely-sounding cry. Every night he tried to sleep. One night he buried his head under a pillow. Another night he put ear muffs on. And again, another night, he got deep under his blankets to drown out the long, lonely-sounding cry.
But no matter what the Carpenter did, he would always hear the long, lonely-sounding cry. The Carpenter soon grew very tired. One night, when that long, lonely-sounding cry began, the Carpenter decided to find where that cry was coming from. As he listened to the cry he followed it to a big tree further into the deep woods. When he looked up in the tree, he saw an Owl with eyes, as big and round as white discs, staring out at the sky.
"Why do you cry?" asked the Carpenter.
"I cry for my Chosen One," the Owl replied. "But she does not answer me. She much have moved away with the other owls."
The Carpenter stood and marveled at the Owl. He gazed around him in the forest.
"But why would the owls leave?" the Carpenter asked.
At the question, the Owl let out another long, lonely-sounding cry. "Our home is becoming smaller like other homes we've had." The Owl then turned his head toward the Carpenter and asked, "Whooooooo are youuuuuuuuuuuuu?"
"I'm the Carpenter who built the cabin near the edge of the deep woods." the Carpenter said as he surveyed the deep woods. The Carpenter hung his head. The Owl just stared at him.
"I'll be back tomorrow!" the Carpenter stated.
When the Carpenter returned, the Owl was still perched in the big tree. "Owl?" the Carpenter queried. "Will you, one more time, cry that long, lonely-sounding cry?"
The Owl looked puzzled, but he couldn't put it off any longer. He cried the longest, loneliest-sounding cry the Carpenter ever heard.
Suddenly, from further in the deep woods, he heard a lower, faster-sounding cry. Was it? Could it be? It was! It was his Chosen One! The Owl spread out his wings, pitched his head forward, and with his tail standing straight up, he glided over to his Chosen One. They rubbed their bills together. They hugged each other. Then the Owl swelled his chest and let out a "Who-who-whoooo! Who-who-whoooo!"
The Carpenter stood amazed. Then quietly, he began planting tree - one for every tree he had cut down.
He went to bed that night feeling at peace with himself. Suddenly he heard another noise, but this time, it wasn't that long, lonely-sounding cry.
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Reader Reviews for
"The Owl And The Carpenter"
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| Reviewed by Nicole Weaver |
7/21/2009 |
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Bear Paw,
Thank you for your review of my article. I really like this wonderful children's short story. Very well penned.
Many blessings,
Nicole |
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| Reviewed by MaryGrace Patterson |
6/16/2009 |
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| A wonderful story which completely held my attention. There is much to be learned from simple truths...M |
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| Reviewed by Regino Gonzales, Jr. |
5/7/2009 |
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Bear Paw,
Thank you for the Story. GodBless!
Sincerely,
Regino
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| Reviewed by Regis Auffray |
2/16/2009 |
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This is a lovely and meaningful story. It speaks to the heart of those who love nature. Thank you for sharing your gift, Carolyn. Love and best wishes to you,
Regis |
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| Reviewed by D. Kenneth Ross |
9/2/2008 |
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| For the Bear Paw, It is wonderful that you can feel the deep longing of the owl, seeking the love he has lost. Let us also hope you can feel the inevitable pain of those humans who now need to use the resources God gave Mankind, dying slowly while others refuse them the simple basics those who happened to come first, now feel obligated to deny to them for their preservation. God does see our dilemmas, some he even placed there for our contemplation. Bless you in your period of growth. |
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| Reviewed by Chase Von |
9/7/2007 |
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Beautiful story with a very important message...
I'm glad your child not only got a great story but a important lesson as well...
Chase |
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| Reviewed by Miller Caldwell |
6/19/2007 |
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Wow
This is a story which gets to the quick. Beautifully describes nature, the environment and the magic of our relationship with the animal world. More plaese, I'm greedy for your work like this.
Miller |
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| Reviewed by Cleve Sylcox |
5/29/2007 |
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| This is a wonderful story. You tell it in away a child can understand. I can see now why your child is no longer afraid of the owl; he has you to explain the mysteries of the unknown. I too am Indian, Cherokee. My father taught me to respect the wild and hold tight to our beliefs. Great read….I like your writing very much. hunderad |
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| Reviewed by Chrissy McVay |
12/8/2005 |
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Wonderful nature story with a 'lesson'. Perhaps if every child is read this story at bedtime they won't grow up and clear cut a forest...
Chrissy K. McVay |
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| Reviewed by Tammy Cravit |
3/16/2004 |
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| What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing! |
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| Reviewed by Franz Kessler |
1/14/2004 |
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Truely enjoyed your story. I know many stories from the Congo (also in my book 'Jungle Fever') where owls often can be evil sorcerers in disguise, on a magic hunt. That's at least what the people believe.
My young son Carl is terribly afraid of owls. I don't know if he actually has ever seen one. I saw two flying last year, not bad for a Houston Tx suburbia. Further down the road we have also a 'Hooters' restaurants. But this is a different subject. |
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| Reviewed by Judith Bailey |
1/7/2004 |
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This is truly what children's stories must be... good looong sounds to keep them awake, let them imitate, and finally, to lose the fear.
I'm beading Owl for the past couple of weeks; he is nearly done. Will send you a pic when he is ready for viewing.
I'm very happy you have written your stories. |
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| Reviewed by Bonita Quesinberry, R.C. |
11/30/2003 |
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| What a fantastic story for a child, Bear: yet, for us all. It subtly reveals how man is destroying natural habitats out of his own greed. Well done! ~~Bonnie Q |
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| Reviewed by Mark Rockeymoore |
10/29/2003 |
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| what a lovely ecological piece. your child will never forget it, even if he forget's it. know what i mean? i make up stories for my daughter every night. maybe i should write them down too...hmmm....LOL! take care! |
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| Reviewed by Carmen Ruggero |
9/19/2003 |
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What a lovely story. It is so tender, I could almost see a child listening to it. And it reminded me of fears I had as a child, and how understanding, made those fears go away. I like that it teaches respect, as well. Respect for ourselves, for others, for animals, and yes, the land. Thank you for posting it.
Carmen |
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| Reviewed by Mr. Ed |
9/9/2003 |
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| I loved this piece. We need more stories like this to teach our children to embrace nature, and not be afraid, disdainful, or callous of it. Thanks for sharing this. |
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| Reviewed by Jackie Brooks |
8/20/2003 |
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| This is a lovely story, not just for children either. I love trees and the birds and other creatures that live in them. I believe everyone should plant at least one tree during their lifetime. I have planted a dozen in the last few years and given away several to friends. Hopefully a gift to future generations. Jackie <> < |
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| Reviewed by E. Lucas-Taylor |
8/12/2003 |
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| Lovely little story. |
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| Reviewed by Trish - The Trickster |
8/6/2003 |
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| A truly lovely story. Exceptional! |
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| Reviewed by Vesna TwinFlameunion |
8/5/2003 |
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What a lovely way to settle a child's fears..as parents we need to be very innovative always being one step ahead of our child..we learn much through them..Tha story was wondrous in its wisdom simplicity and beauty...you have a talent my friend..a grand one!!
{{hugs}}
Vesna |
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| Reviewed by Kate Clifford |
8/5/2003 |
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| Beautiful story! |
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| Reviewed by Tony Nerone |
8/5/2003 |
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Your love for children is very commending, Carolyn. I enjoyed this story too. And you know I am no child..lol
You're very nice, as was your story!
Kudos!
tony:) |
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| Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado |
8/5/2003 |
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Lovely story, Bear; love the sound of the owls hooting at night!
(((HUGS))) and love, your friend in Texas, Karen Lynn. :) |
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