Pity on the eve

BY WORKU BELACHEW

You have to meet the expense of the holiday, almost at hand: You are only twenty some hours away from coming Easter. Is not this a matter of worry? Indeed, it is. Because holidays have all the authorities to persuade anyone and would do anything to feast the day with various foodstuffs. For a grand holiday like Easter killing sheep could not be too much. Would it be? …with anyone’s standards, including flock of sheep’s themselves, it is right. Yes sheep for this holiday! But you know it well, you cannot afford it.

To be frank this has been dizzying your mind round the clock along the previous few days. How beit, this is the final day to conclude your calculation and make it happen, at any cost.

After going through various options, to you and someone with you -maybe your spouse- borrowing some money has appeared to be a wonderful idea. Can you see how smart you are? But, the person from whom you both have agreed to borrow the money is not a spendthrift as far as holidays are concerned. That undermines your wisdom for two things. First, how can you convince this person? You will look absurd before this person eyes. Second, you need to give the money back on a day you will promise to.

Well, to be in such pressing situation is undesirable, yet unavoidable.

Let us resume our conversion. And you guys agreed to sit and discuss this matter. But, it is a waste of time. This is for obvious reason, demands will roar at eve of holidays than other days.

It is transparent that the only generous being who never denies you such blessings is this person. You say your prayers “please my creator give me grace before this guy and adjust the guy’s gage of kindness to a level that the provisions become a girt....”

This seems a good idea. And who knows? The person may hear your lame reasons with open hearts. Your reasons may appear firm before him. And you may get all the courage on the spot of your conversation to convince him more. Who knows? And there is Amharic proverb which read as “Kale Menager, dej azmach'enet yeakeral ” may be synonymous with what the great educator Jean-Jacques Rousseau's absolute silence leads to sadness. It is the image of death. Yes!

And you need to head for it soon, very soon as the only way out from your problem is facing this person. Still, doubts are seen on your face. But why? You have thought about it round the clock.

One more good reason, debits are practiced even by the most developed countries late alone you. China borrows money to USA. Do you think this is real? Yes it is. Why do the Americans fail to live without debits? We do not know. But, money circulates. Look my friend, America borrows to European countries, European countries to African countries or to Latin … it is vicious circle. It has no end. May be the man may pity you in the end and call off all the debits.

Thus, you should not afraid to borrow. By the way, what if one of you die in the middle and does not it mean death clears you from debits? Thanks for our traditional borrowing scheme. I mean, the matter usually stays between you and the person who borrows you.

Good, you have dressed so smartly. It seems you are not short of money to celebrate the holiday. But, some notes exactly enough to buy ticket for your travel is in your pocket. Alas! Appearances are deceitful. Indeed, if you like to borrow from this person, getting grace before him earlier than sunrise is better. You can reach at the time when the person says morning prayers. But, it requires great patience. Because the person’s lengthy prayers may tempt you and miss your opportunity. Tell yourself that his prayers are crushing the devil sprit with you and be firm.

May be, the person got prospered as a result of it. Who knows? Some people like you work hard but lead same lives always. And some others work little or even live better lives without working.

Anyways, you are also lucky. Imagine if you had never known someone to borrow money. It would have been an insult on an injury. At least you have someone to ask for money. Plus, the person has understood why you are there. I mean it, you are lucky. There are some fellows who even could not tell their problems and misconceived. But, your face can tell what you need.

Okay now the money you need is in your hand. Do not forget the person’s instructions. You need to buy a fattened sheep for him. And skin it on the morning of the holiday. Actually that is easy. In doing so, you can get debit relief as the person promised you.

Amazing, a rolling stone gathers no moss. It is right! Had you concealed your problems, you could have missed this opportunity. It also partly is because of my advice. Do not ever forget the favor I deed to you.

Now you are complete, but I am feeling jealous. And will set you a trap. It is easy. Your wearing style and the money you have in your pocket matches now.

Your highness is now at a market. People are hustling and bustling in the busy market not as usual. It is a holiday market and there is a tough crowed. And it is not easy to buy two sheep, one of which for your big master. If the master does not like your selection, the debits are likely to be paid until its last penny. The brokers are really untrained pigs. They would do anything to get money from each sale of sheep both from you and the trader.

Thanks finally you have got the right sheep for your master as well as for you. Oromi! You said in your heart. And insert your hands in your pocket. No. it was in the other pocket. And you searched all your pockets. But, the money is lost. You stand pale. All your grace vanished from you. How come? You start to be neck-to-neck with all the brokers that surrounds you. But, it would serve nothing. And you head for your house desperately cursing your day, my advice, your spouse, that person who really pretends praying (you say this in your hearts) everything. What a Gloomy day. Imagine, now your debits are doubled.

“Answer him” says your spouse as your master called, “what can I tell this person, how can I utter the words,” you replied.

Your spouse answered the phone. “Dear Master, it is very annoying to hear this for you and a great sadness befallen up on us, all the money was taken.”

“Tell this guy to talk to me or… only convey my message, the maiden got the money on the sofa. And I need the sheep by the evening. The money can be taken from the maiden.” The master finished the good news.

You soon turgid with pleasure and bounce on the floor until you happiness seems to lose limits. And took the phone from your spouse and answered him, “Ahh…. No. No. I now feast the holiday, tell this person I will not come anymore.”