Donkey – حمار
The other day while driving on the highway, I passed by a truck that had a donkey in the back. My first thought was “haha.. a donkey in a truck,” but then I got closer and saw the donkey’s face and it made me feel bad. It was standing under the hot afternoon sun. It got me thinking.
Donkeys are truly the ‘beasts of burden.’ Even their actual names are a burden (I think universally): donkey, ass, حمار , etc. They’re all standard name-calling words! The poor animal has done absolutely nothing but serve humans for hundreds of years without any complaint. This loyal worker was expected to carry or pull unbelievably heavy loads for long distances over long periods of time, be used as a sacrifice to gods, and be a pathetic kiddie ride at carnivals and fairs.
If you look really well, the natural stance of a donkey has its head facing the ground. This makes its eyes look like the saddest you will probably ever see. That is what initially got to me. What’s even worse is that apparently, donkeys are by nature very sweet and friendly.
Related animals like the horse and the mule are much more appreciated and respected when compared to donkeys. Horses are almost like royalty. Well kept horses are bathed, brushed, groomed, and worth a lot of money. Mules are work animals too but also have an attitude that requires caution from their owners. Donkeys are just donkeys. Too bad that they usually go under the radar unnoticed and unappreciated.
That donkey in the truck will surely live a long and busy life. I wish him health and mercy from his owners.
October 17th, 2008 at 5:26 am
my friends favorite animal is the donkey … and every time i wanna day donkey i wanna say it like Shrek
October 18th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
We need cars as durable as donkeys. ;p
October 19th, 2008 at 4:05 am
laialy, LOL “donkeh”
Mac, no kidding :/