I Give You Thanks My God by Bernard Dadie

 

I give you thanks my God for having created me black 

For having made of me 

The total of all sorrows, 

and set upon my head 

5 the World. 

I wear the livery of the Centaur 

And I carry the World since the first morning. 

White is a colour improvised for an occasion 

Black, the colour of all days 

10 And I carry the World since the first night. 

I am happy 

with the shape of my head 

fashioned to carry the World, 

satisfied with the shape of my nose, 

15 Which should breathe all the air of the World, 

happy 

with the form of my legs 

prepared to run through all the stages of the World. 

I give you thanks my God, for having created me black, 

20 for having made of me 

the total of all sorrows. 

Thirty-six swords have pierced my heart. 

Thirty-six brands have burned my body, 

And my blood on all the calvaries has reddened the snow 

25 And my blood from all the east has reddened nature. 

And yet I am 

Happy to carry the World, 

Content with my short arms, 

with my long legs, 

30 with the thickness of my lips. 

I give you thanks my God, for having created me black, 

White is a colour for an occasion, 

Black the colour of all days 

And I carry the World since the morning of time. 

35 And my laughter in the night brought forth day over 

the World. 

I give you thanks my God for having created me black.

THE END

    I adored the way this poem was written and the gratitude the character/writer felt for himself. They aren't mad for having black skin or having curly hair. They are unconcerned with their large lips, short limbs, legs, or nose form. There will never be any complaints about it; instead, you will hear how grateful they are that they were made that way. They are an excellent example of how people should value themselves because no one is perfect. They never blamed God for what they had gone through but instead were grateful since it taught them valuable lessons and shaped them into the people they are today.

    Some individuals always grumble that they never discovered why things happen the way they do. Even if they are more or less like that, some of their characteristics will astound us. True, African Americans have darker skin tone, curly hair, a broad nose, and small limbs and legs, but they were endowed with the gift of voices, and they have pouty lips that all females desire, primarily because of their body's curves and boobs. Even amid their trials and pains, they remain appreciative. Others will endure surgery merely to get it, indicating that they do not value what God has given them. 

    It encourages me to value and accept my individuality. It shows me that we may live a happy life if we stop comparing ourselves to others. All we have to do now is take care of ourselves. Who would care about them in the first place? Did they feed us? As a result, it is also a crucial lesson to remember that what we say has the potential to induce unhappiness in others.

Sources:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZmhHs9U8ag&ab_channel=KevinDaveNapone
• https://afrilingual.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/65/

Piano and Drums by Gabriel Okara

  

When at break of day at a riverside

I hear jungle drums telegraphing

the mystic rhythm, urgent, raw

like bleeding flesh, speaking of

primal youth and the beginning,

I see the panther ready to pounce,

the leopard snarling about to leap

and the hunters crouch with spears poised.

And my blood ripples, turns torrent,

topples the years and at once I’m 

in my mother’s laps a suckling;

at once I’m walking simple

paths with no innovations

rugged, fashioned with the naked

warmth of hurrying feet and groping hearts

in green leaves and wild flowers pulsing.

Then I hear a wailing piano

solo speaking of complex ways

in tear- furrowed concerto;

of far away lands

and new horizons with

coaxing diminuendo,  counterpoint, 

crescendo, but lost in the labyrinth of its complexities, it ends in the middle of a phrase at a daggerpoint

And I lost in the morning mist

of an age at a riverside keep

wandering in the mystic rhythm

of jungle drums and concerto.

THE END

    We can see from the poetry that no matter how various cultures impact a person, they never forget where they originated from. In the Philippines, it is clear that diverse cultures from other nations have affected the cuisine we eat, the way we live, the way we dress, and other aspects of our lives. These influences originated from Korea, Japan, Thailand, and others. However, even if we have been exposed to various cultures, we never forget to enhance our own. Because we loved them so much, many Filipino celebrities, such as Heart Evangelista, use local artists to create their items, which are then sold in other countries.

    The author remembers how glorious and straightforward his life was previously, comparing it to the beating of a drum. Then he hears the piano, which is a different instrument. Individuals are adapting to the influences of various civilizations. However, the author says that he was concerned about how it would affect their culture if it mixed with theirs.

    It isn't very reassuring to learn that some Filipinos prefer other cultures over their own. However, those who stay loyal to their nation deserve a standing ovation.

    And it is from this point. So we might infer that there is no place like home.

Sources:

• https://litionaryblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/the-piano-and-the-drums/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOV039HkQqI&ab_channel=PoetryOnline

If We Dream Too Long by Goh Pong Seng

    

   Summary:

    The book follows the life of Kwang Meng, a young 18-year-old who has just graduated from junior college. He currently works as a clerk, a job which he hates and finds monotonous. Two of his junior college friends, Hock Lai and Nadarajah (the latter nicknamed Portia), follow different career paths in their diverging lives. Hock Lai becomes a white-collared worker, determined to climb the corporate ladder, while Portia intends to further his studies in the UK. Kwang Meng meets and strikes up a relationship with a local bar girl, Lucy, at Paradise Bar. Unfortunately, owing to their very different social backgrounds, the couple break up (initiated by Lucy). Hock Lai tries to matchmake Kwang Meng with one of his female acquaintances Anne. Kwang Meng meets Boon Teik and Mei-I, neighbours who are both teachers, and whom Kwang Meng finds an ideal couple. Hock Lai himself gets married with Cecilia, whose father is one of the richest tycoons of Singapore. Throughout all this, Kwang Meng comes across as a rather passive figure, preferring merely to observe and seek solace through activities like swimming in the sea, smoking and drinking in bars. At the novel's end, Kwang Meng's father suffers a stroke, which destined him to take up the burden of supporting his family.

THE END

    Goh Poh Seng's work depicts a person's journey through life, which is admirable since everyone can relate to it.

    And now, after finishing my studies, my journey will begin, and I will need the teachings it offers in order to have a perspective on life. It's challenging when we're ready to embark on a new way of life entirely unfamiliar to us. After graduation, we'll need to find work, support our families, and eventually locate our place. We'll be up against a lot of obstacles along the road. But, to get to the top, we need to take the stairs, and to do so, we'll need someone to provide a hand.

    One of my brothers has a similar personality to Kwang Meng. He previously struggled to find work since he was bored all of the time and was uninspired because he was merely going to quit and look for a new career in a few months. However, he learned and respected his career now that he has a family to feed. Also, we had a recent difficulty, especially for him, since one of his sons had recently died from heart and lung complications. And it was then that he began to discover how to mature independently.

    It might be difficult at first, but we should all be aware that we should not give up no matter what it takes. It's fine to make mistakes as long as you learn something from them, which you should treasure.

    And I, for one, have a voyage ahead of me. It is certain that I will struggle with growing up, boredom, family, and my love life, but I am confident that I can accomplish it all and that my hard work will pay off as long as I have my bravery, hard effort, and patience with me.

Source:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_We_Dream_Too_Long

The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye by Sonny Liew

 Summary:

    The novel initially starts with an introduction of the titular character Charlie Chan Hock Chye as an old man talking to an interviewer before transitioning to his childhood, where he is seen working in his family's shop in post-war Singapore. It then shows Charlie Chan's first comic "Ah Huat's Giant Robot" which features a robot that can only understand Chinese. The book then cuts between the life of Charlie and excerpts from his comics, explaining that he was educated in an English school through the generosity of one of his family's shops' customers. This pattern of cuts between comics and his life continues throughout the rest of the novel as the comic steadily changes from one about a Giant Robot to an allegory for Singapore's quest for independence from British Colonial rule, featuring animals and sci-fi epics allegorizing Singapore as a city under the rule of aliens with Lee Kuan Yew as a lawyer who speaks the language of the aliens. Charlie begins a partnership with a fellow young comic artist who eventually breaks up with him due to financial stress, after 8 years and numerous comics, including a superhero tale about a night soil man bitten by a cockroach and becoming Roachman, a parody of Spider-Man. Nearing the end, a comic depicting the actions the Singapore government undertook to take control of the press is depicted via a comic depicting Singapore as Sinkapor Inks, a company with Lee Kuan Yew as a ruthless boss with the press as a company newsletter. Finally, a what-if section depicts Singapore if the Barisan Sosialis had won, ending in an alternate version of Singapore with a similar economic development as that of the present.

THE END

    The usage of graphics has a distinct and distinct effect on the reader. However, one of the limitations of presenting visuals is that it allows the author to lead the audience on what it truly delivers and visualizes, which means we can't go beyond our imagination.

    Chan Hock Chye's work is notable since it represents Singapore's evolving political and economic climate. Literature has sparked political and social change in nations throughout history, and it continues to do so now. It may serve as a rallying cry to stand up and make a difference, as well as personal advice.

    As can be seen, literature has had a significant influence on the evolution of civilization. It has molded cultures, altered political systems, and brought injustice to light. Moreover, literature provides us with a profound glimpse into human lives, allowing us to connect on fundamental levels of need and emotion.

    This literary work demonstrates politics and economics and highlights Chan Hock Chye's life and works. The writer's ability to connect the past and the present is outstanding. Many literary works have this goal; authors use writing to express people's feelings about something.

    It's worth noting that literature allows us to travel across time and learn about life on Earth from those who have gone before us. We can have a better grasp of culture and a deeper appreciation for it by doing so. In addition, we learn from how history is documented, such as through manuscripts and oral history.

Source: 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKZdyomTL5Y&ab_channel=NLBSingapore
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Art_of_Charlie_Chan_Hock_Chye

To Grandma by Tan Seok Hoon

 You plough through your life

To bring up your children

Choose the son you think is filial

Work for his family

But do not foresee

The day he sourns you

Asks that you be rotated

Among his brothers

Grandma

You must understand 

As season changes

People will also changed

The son whom you love the most

Will not you

Live out your twilight years

In his house

Grandma

Won't bring up children 

Just work

For a place in an old home

When senile

Will be in the company of cronies

Each a table to tell

O the cruelty of their children 

Who send them to die

And I'll remember you grandma.

THE END

    People who have their grandmother by their side are pretty fortunate, as was the case for me since my grandparents died when I was young. So even though I only have a few fond memories of them, I am grateful to them for raising such lovely parents.

    One of the poem's messages conveyed to the audience is a mother's love. There are no limits and measurements to a mother's love; no matter how horrible the sins that her children have committed against her, she will always be there to forgive and soothe her children.

    I remember my grandmother when I would walk by her house after school and visit her. After all, she would offer me some money and food which excites me the most. Also, one of the memorable experience I have with my grandmother is when I get my test papers after completing an exam, my grandmother is the first person to see them since my parents were both working at the time. She would express her delight in my accomplishments and express her happiness to me.

    Everyone has commented on how much I resemble my grandmother. I am delighted to hear that, but as you can see, we are not that close, which is something I will regret for the rest of my life. I've never had grandparents that were close to each other. That is why I am kind to other grannies, allowing them to feel as though they are treasured and adored by their grandchildren.

    So it is necessary to educate this generation on the importance of honoring their grandparents not only because they are members of the family but also because they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. It would hurt them if you scolded or shouted at them for being deaf, and they would remember it if you naturally express your regrets. They would believe that they are nothing more than a burden to this family.

    To inspire you more, please take time to watch the video I've included below and listen to it as well.

Sources:

• https://www.google.com/search?q=grandma+picture&sxsrf=AOaemvJOu4ml5zNGDjwF6egtP__GV3pTyg:1639143798187&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi4uM2-rtn0AhXEKaYKHfshB2kQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1366&bih=625&dpr=1#imgrc=8m_INLgdu0I4BM
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNHui99xeIs&ab_channel=anastaciojcruz

The Old Man, His Son, and their Bike by M.Ibrahim

There was once a poor old Malay,

One you have never seen the like,

Who sadly told his son one day,

“Son, we have to sell our bike.”

So to the nearest town they went,

The old man on the bike astride;

His son, very soon feeling spent,

Walked slowly on his side.

They passed two men on their way,

Two old buddies having a talk,

One was heard to distinctly say,

“He makes the young fellow walk,”

On hearing this old man said,

“I think, my son, they do not like

To see me riding, I’m afraid,

You had better ride the bike.”

Two more men later they met,

They both seemed at the boy to gawk,

Said one, “See that strong, selfish lad,

He makes the old man walk”

The old man then said with a frown,

“Whatever we do, my son, seems wrong,

So let both of us walk to town;

We can push the bike along.”

Two more men then came into view,

One of them, as he stepped aside;

Said, “Look, how foolish are those two,

Walking, when they both could ride.”

The old man winced at what he heard,

And irritably said, “Indeed!”

His anger had now been stirred;

“Let’s both ride our iron steed.”

The rusty bike wasn’t really fit,

Fir it hadn’t been well kept of late;

The bike broke, the tires went flat;

They were both thrown to the ground!

Alas, alack, what noise was that?

They both heard a snapping sound,

The bike broke, the tires went flat,

They were both thrown to the ground!

Now, folk, you all know the moral

Of this quite short and simple tale;

That if you try to please others,

To please yourself, you will fail!

THE END

    This poetry has caught my attention rather significantly. It is a straightforward composition with an easily comprehendible vocabulary. It demonstrates a variety of literary strategies and conveys an important lesson that everyone should completely absorb and practice: we should never try to satisfy others since we will always fail.

    I'm concerned that I'm allowing society to dictate to me on a personal level as well. And it is for this reason, I have great admiration for those who don't care what other people think of them and who remain true to themselves.

    It is undeniable that regardless of your socioeconomic standing, we are all victims of and have personal experience with this. At first, you could find it funny, but as time goes on and it is done repeatedly, it might be pretty damaging to us. Simply like when someone tells you how you became huge after being in the home all the time because of Covid-19, and you just grin, but then the following day, you hear it all over again from that person. Some people might then advise you that you are too skinny and need to put on some weight. If you have already gained some weight, you will be told that you need to lose weight once again. Some individuals were able to handle it, while others were unable to. They are now experiencing a great deal only to lose the weight that has caused them to be unwell and depressed. Everybody knows individuals suffer from poor body image and are dissatisfied with their physical appearance, but we can't blame them since society compelled them to do what they did.

    Just like how a Pinoy Big Brother housemate is concerned about her appearance and finds that nothing seems to work no matter how many diets she tries.

    Would you mind if we didn't care what other people said about you? What do you think about going after our happiness? If we do not mind them, they will undoubtedly stop, and they will certainly recognize that they have intruded so far into others' lives and that they are causing people to become depressed. As a result, raising public awareness and educating the public about this issue is essential. But, first and foremost, we must understand and accept ourselves as we are.

Sources: 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl_MW_c8k4k&ab_channel=SHORTSTORIES
• https://mavict.tumblr.com/

The Betel And The Areca Retold by: Hoang Ngoc Bein

1. 
   
   
2. 
   
3. During the reign of king Hang Vuong. There lived in a small village in a highlands of North Viet Nam, two brothers of Cao family. The elder was named Cao Tan, the younger Cao Lang. They were as like each other as two peas in a pod and were both good-looking, good-tempered, and hardworking.
4. 
   
5. Cao Lang, the younger, fell secretly in love with a girl of the Luu family called Xuan Phu, who lived in a neighboring village. She was about sixteen years of age and was very beautiful. Not only was beautiful but also modest, well-behaved, and gentle. Many youth wished to ask for her hand, but she seemed to pay no attention to anyone. But in her heart she had liking for Cao Lang.
6. 
   
7. One day Cao Lang asked his mother differently for permission to get married, but did not say to whom. His mother told him that, as what the custom, he must wait until she has arranged his elder brother’s marriage. As a dutiful son, Cao Lang could not disobey her and her elder brother, an equally good son, began to look for a suitable girl to be his wife.
8. 
   
9. The bride he chosen was none other than the charming Xuan Phu. Cao Lang was dismayed and his heart was filled with grief. But his love for his brother was so strong that he did not say anything. When Cao Tan came to Xuan Phu’s house with his mother and asked for her hand, she agreed to marry him. She mistook Cao Tan for his brother, for she had never spoken to Cao Lang and the brothers were so much alike. So Cao Tan and Xuan Phu were married.
10. 
    
11. Cao Lang endured his grief as well as he could. Xuan Phu, when she discovered the mistake, accepted her fate and made the best of it. After all, her husband was as handsome, hardworking, and good-natured as Cao Lang. Little by little, Xuan Phu took over all the household duties from her mother-in- law, cooking meals, preparing tea, Each day, the brother went their water buffaloes to work in the fields, and at the end of the day, Tan would carry home the plough and harrow and Lang would follow leisurely some distance.
12. 
    
13. Behind the buffaloes. In the evening when they all gathered for the family meal, there was a feeling of warm affection and happiness. One day when Xuan Phu had prepared the evening meal, she hurried out of the gate to meet her husband. As it happened that day Cao Lang carried the plough and the harrow and Cao Tan was some distance behind with the buffaloes.
14. 
    
15. From a distance, Xuan Phu thought Cao Lang was her husband. She ran up to him therefore and took his hand. Cao Lang guessed at once that she had mistaken him for his brother. “my sister –in-law!,” he murmured. Xuan Phu realized with a shock that he was not her husband. Unfortunately, Cao Tan had seen what happened. Taken aback and hurt, he went into the house without even greeting his wife. From that day, atmosphere in the house was no longer happy as it had been before.
16. 
    
17. Cao Lang felt that this was his fault. He decided therefore that the best thing that he could do for his family was to go away. This he did. Nobody knew where he had gone, and he himself did not know where he had gone, and he himself did not know where he was bound for. Summer passed into autumn, winter came and spring, and still he wandered over mountains, across streams and through villages and hamlets.
18. 
    
19. One evening he collapsed, completely exhausted, on the bank of a streams and there he died. Because of his sincere love and self-sacrifice his body was changed into a rock of pure white chalk lime beside which the steam flowed lamenting his lot. At home, Cao Tan’s longing for his brother’s return grew daily. Tormented by remorse for having allowed his younger brother to go away like that, he set out in search for him. Over mountains and through forest he wandered, looking for a sign of his lost brother. At last he came to a white chalky rock on the bank of stream.
20. 
    
21. Worn out, he sank down and there he died too. Because of his devotion, he was changed into a tall pam tree bearing areca nuts. After her husband’s departure, Xuan Phu waited hopefully for his return. Two autumns passed without news of her husband or her brother-in-law. She became desperate and one morning, with the permission of her mother-in- law, she too, set out. She covered long distances travelling through rain and sunshine once again fate brought her to the very place where the areca tree grew beside the white rock and there her strength failed her.
22. 
    
23. She collapsed and died. She was changed into a climbing vine, the betel, which twined itself around the trunk of the areca tree. Thus she was united with her husband again. The stream that ran past the rock murmured tragic story. The villagers, hearing the story, set up a small shrine in memory of the tree, Some time after, King Huang Vuong came that way and was told this tale. Moved by the love of the brothers and Xuan Phu, the king picked a betel leaf and an areca nut and chewed them together.
24. 
    
25. The mixture had a pleasant flavor and when he spat it out on the white rock it made a beautiful crimson color, the color of faithful love. The King ordered that it should always be used in wedding ceremonies, and so it is done to his very day. The sliced areca nuts are mixed with a bit of lime paste and wrapped I betel leaves for chewing.

1. 
   
2. THE END

    It is rather apparent that the narrative also offers a message about the importance of family in one's life. One of the traditions or practices in the Philippines is that elder siblings are supposed to marry first, followed by their younger siblings. As a result, we can see that it demonstrate how an extended family functions. After getting married, the vast majority of Filipinos choose to remain with their families. And before we can tie the knot, we must first get our parents' blessing or permission.

    I was moved by the younger brother's willingness to give up his rights and make sacrifices for the happiness of his elder sibling. This indicates that we will not be able to see any sibling rivalry in this setting.

    Throughout the story, it is also made clear that people of the time are polite and kind persons. Their identities also served as a guide for assigning roles and responsibilities.

    The fundamental premise of the narrative, on the other hand, is that I've never heard of a case in which two brothers fell in love with the same lady before. I've just seen it in the movie, and it seems to be primarily concerned with love and its sentiments for the ladies rather than with the family as a whole. As a result, this narrative is one of the most unusual narrations I've ever heard in my whole life.

    However, even as the elder brother feels remorse for not doing anything to help his little brother, it is really moving that he sought for him and later that his wife has also looked for him to show her love.

    In this experience, I learned that we should not immediately evaluate and condemn someone for a single deed since one incorrect action that you do to them would be tallied and injected into someone's life in a significant way. We should note that they are humans too that have feelings.

Sources:

• https://www.slideshare.net/JhengReyes/the-betel-and-the-areca-story
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdHCxAQe-dc&ab_channel=D%27hoodZ

My Thai Cat by Pratoomratha Zeng

    Sii Sward was our Thai or Siamese cat in my hometown, Muang, a northern village in Thailand. She was a gift to me from my father when I was five years old. She had piercing blue eyes and delicate brown fur which she constantly cleaned with her tongue. I was completely devoted to her. She was also very popular with my entire family, an later was to be well – known in the whole district.

    During the drought in 1925, our Sii Sward was a heroine; she had the great honor of being elected the Rain Queen.

    We had been without rain for three months that summer. It was hot and dry. Our public well was reduced to mud; the river was at its lowest ebb.

    Then someone suggested that we perform the old Brahmo – Buddhist rain ceremony called the Nang Maaw, the queen of the cats. This ceremony had been performed by the peasants since immemorial.

    That day my father approached me and my cat seriously. He patted Sii Sward’s head gently and said to me, “Ai Noo (my little mouse), the villagers have asked me to help in the ceremony for the rain. I promised them to use our cat- your Sii Sward.”

    I was stunned. How could they use my cat to get the rain? I thought of those chickens that the Chinese killed and boiled during the Annual Trut – Chine, the Chinese ritual days for sacrificing to and honouring the memory of their ancestors. To have my cat killed and boiled like a chicken? Oh, no.

    I almost shout to protest, “Oh, no Father, I cannot let anyone kill my Sii Sward rain or no rain. I don’t care.”

    In the Thai family, the father is the sole absolute authority of the house; to deny his wish is sinful and inexcusable. My father however, was very understanding man. He looked at me coldly and said calmly: “Son, no one is going to kill Sii Sward. Instead of doing that, an because our cat is the most beautiful and cleanest of all the cats in the village, she was elected by the people to be the Rain Queen of our district. This is a great honor to her and to our family.”

    I was reluctant to consent until Father said, “ We can take Sii Sward back home as soon as the ceremony is over.”

    Two artists built up a big bamboo cage and the people fastened flowers and leaves to it and dressed it up until it looked like a miniature castle.

    At noontime, my cat Sii Sward had her usual lunch of dry mudfish and rice, then my father gave me the great honor of carrying her to the temple ground. Some old ladies brushed and sprayed sweet native perfume upon her proud head. Sii Sward protested vehemently; she struggled to get away, and I had to put her head into the adorned cage.

    In spite of the heat and the sun that day, people packed into the monastery to se Sii Sward, the Rain Queen, and to pray for the rain.

    In the mid – afternoon the sun was so hot that the villagers took refuge under the shade of the big mango and Po trees on the temple ground. A group of people began to chant the Nang Maaw song, softly at first, then louder an louder until everyone seemed to shout. Long native drums, taphone, began to beat in chorus.

    It was a most impressive ceremony which made me feel warm and confident of the Queen’s powers.

    Sii Sward slept all the way; she was not impressed by the demonstration. Before we entered the open marketplace there was so much noise; someone fired many big firecrackers. A few women who were traders in powder and perfumes approached the cage and poured cups of sweet – smelling perfume and flowers onto the poor Rain Queen. At this moment, the noise of the frantic shouting, of chanting, of firecrackers, and that perfumed water proved to be too much for the poor Sii Sward. More water and perfume water proved to be too much for the poor Sii Sward. More water and perfume were poured and splashed into the cage. Sii Swward stood up, her blue eyes at the culprits. Her brown and smooth hair was soaking wet. She began to cry and tried to find a way to escape in vain.

    Seeing the whole condition going from bad to worse, I was almost crying, asking Father to rescue the poor cat. Howeer, Father said everything would be all right. After a while, everyone seemed to be satisfied giving the Rain Queen perfumes; they stopped the noise completely as if to listen to the tormented noise of the Rain Queen. At that moment Sii Sward stopped crying, too. She was soaking wet and trembling with fear.

    People chanted softly as they led the procession back to the monastery, even the drummers and the two men, who ten minutes ago were chanting frantically, now calmed down.

    When we reached the Vihara, the men placed the cage in front of the temple, and then all of them went to the Vihara to pray for the rain goddess again. At this moment, I saw the opportunity to help my poor Sii Sward. Having seen the last person enter the temple, I took Sii Sward out of the cage and ran home with her.

    It must have been about three o’clock in the morning when a sound like a train running and a big hurricane was heard. Later there was a strong sound of thunder over the mountains, and a few minutes later, a shower, a real tropical shower, came down. Everyone on the village got up from his or her bed. We were happy. The farmers started at once to their farms. It rained for three days, and three nights, and it seemed as if the showers would never stop until the water in the sky would be gone. Our crops were saved.

    But Sii Sward ignore the rain. She slept happily the whole three days. Farmers and their families dropped in to see her afterward. They patted her delicate fur and left dry fish and meat for her, her favourite food. That year, the farmers thought that Sii Sward was a heroine.

THE END

    A tropical climate prevails in Africa, which is very hot and dry, causing their skin to burn and causing drought. As a result, people are suffering from a lack of drinking water.

    It is not new to me about a particular country performing rituals to have rain. It's something I've seen a lot in documentary films. But, on the other hand, cats as an instrument are something new I've never heard of before.

    Some rituals are performed in other countries, especially the Philippines, where they are considered acceptable. It is frequently done to ensure a bountiful crop and is carried out by tribes.

    It is said in the story that chickens were employed by the Chinese and that they were slain. I believe it is a sacrifice made to the gods. For example, in the Christian Bible, Abraham offers his son to sacrifice to God and submits him to God, whereas other rites require the offering of something in return. Additionally, certain practices will not be completed without performing a dance or singing a chant/song.

    The question is that what are other people's perceptions throughout the globe about an individual's culture? Do they consider it to be a pointless or insignificant practice? Does science have something to do with these or a phenomenon we could never explain?

    It makes no difference whether or not we agree with their statements. What is matters is that how much we value and respect one another. We should not interfere with their culture. Thus, we should refrain from interfering with their practices.

Source:

• https://badianoran.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/my-thai-cat-by-pratoomratha-zeng/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2fu5P494FI&ab_channel=RandyUbal