586- The Golden Cage and the Crazy Man

On her way, Jacky’s attention was drawn to a man holding a stick and beating some birds which he put in a golden cage.

Jacky asked him, “Where did you get these various birds?”

“From everywhere I go.”

“How?”

“I present them food so they come near. Then, I take them and put them in the cage. I put traps everywhere to collect different sorts of birds.”

“What do you do then?”

“I beat them till they get nervous and kill each other. Then, I kill those who do not get hurt. This is my pleasure.”

Jacky tried to hide her tears and said calmly, “Would you sell me this cage and the birds wherein?”

Being a lover of money, the crazy man said, “The cage cost me much and I exerted much effort in gathering the birds. How much money do you have?”

She said, “Fifty Dollars.”

The crazy man answered, “That’s little. I’ll take them together with your coat.”

Jacky did not hesitate. She gave him what he asked for and took the cage. She immediately opened the cage and let the birds out to enjoy freedom. Jacky rushed joyfully to her mother. As her mother asked her about the expensive coat which she valued much, Jacky told her the story of the crazy man. Her mother embraced and kissed her saying, “Nothing is greater or dearer than freedom.”

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: القفص الذهبي والرجل المجنون.

Lord, You know how Satan is insane and killer.

He gathers us from everywhere.

He gives us lusts and comfort to deceive and arrest us.

He imprisons us as if in a golden prison.

He stirs us to kill each other.

He finds his pleasure in cruelty.

You presented Your precious blood as a price for us.

You opened the doors of hell and let us out free.

What to present You O Giver of freedom?

The Ancient Splendid Pot

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

A Private Chamber