An African Tale

AN AFRICAN TALE

THE ZEBRA'S APPAREL

A story from Northern Namibia.,

These were the early days when the Earth was young and the land was very hot and dry. In this shimmering new world, water could be found only in a few small ponds scattered around the desert. At one such pond the Baboon stood guard, claiming that he was the owner. "No one may drink here, for this water is mine alone!" he declared, chasing away all who came to drink.

Shimmering

Reluciente

Pond

Charca

Scattered

Dispersos

Baboon

Babuino

Claim

Afirmar

Chase away

Espantar

He had built a fire close to the pool so that he could protect his water during the cold desert nights. One day the Zebra came to quench his thirst after a very long and tiring journey. In these early days the Zebra had no stripes. He wore a wonderful coat of pure white fur. The Baboon jumped up angrily. "Who are you? Go away!" he screamed, "I am Lord of this water. It is mine!" The Zebra was in no mood to listen to this selfish Baboon. "This is not your water, you ugly monkey! It belongs to everyone!" shouted the Zebra.

Quench his thirst

Apagar la sed

Stripes

Rayas

Mood

ﾃ］imo

Belong

Pertenecer

The Baboon was furious and said that if he wanted the water he must fight for it. Both were soon engaged in a fierce struggle. They rolled back and forth around the pond. Finally the Zebra gave one mighty kick and the Baboon was sent flying high up into the rocks behind the pool. The Zebra had kicked so hard that he lost the balance. He stepped back into the Baboon's fire and sent the burning sticks flying up in the air. These left black marks all over his fine white coat. Engaged

Enganchados

Fierce

Feroz

Struggle

Pelea

Mighty kick

Fuerte patada

Balance

Equilibrio

Sticks

Palos

Hurt and frightened he galloped to the plains where he has remained ever since. Eventually he came to like his new apparel which made him stand out, distinguished amongst the other animals However, the Baboon had landed on his bottom on the hard rocks. He has remained on the top of the trees ever since, nursing his bald red bottom and still as angry as ever. THE END Plains

Llanuras

Apparel

Indumentaria

Eventually

Finalmente

Amongst

Entre

Ever since

Desde entonces

GLOSSARY 1 Shimmering