The Drum

The Drum

Once there was a boy who lived with his mother in Punjab, India. They were very poor and had only a bit of land to grow grain. They sold their grain at the market to buy sugar, butter, and clothing. One day, Mother got ready to go to the market. She asked the boy, " Would you like me to buy you anything?" The boy's eyes went wide with delight. “ More than anything else, I want a drum! ”

Mother sold her grain at the market. She bought butter, sugar, and clothing. There was no money left over. The boy wanted a drum so badly, but there was nothing she could do. On her way home, Mother found a fine, sturdy stick. It was not a drum, but it was better than nothing. She smiled sadly when she handed the boy his gift.

When the boy saw her face, he decided not to be disappointed. “ Thank you" he said. He tapped slapped, and banged on every object with his new stick.

As he went tapping along, he saw his neighbor trying to light her stove. The dung stank and smoked. Her eyes watered, and she coughed. “ Here, Auntie, " he said. " Use my stick to heat your stove.

The woman thanked the boy. When the burning stick got the stove nice and hot, she baked him a soft, round roti. The boy was looking for a shady place to enjoy his roti when he heard a baby crying. The baby was hungry, but the mother had no food.