The swallows and the pond
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful pond, surrounded by reeds and colorful flowers. On the edge of that pond lived Pirrewit Wit Wit, the little gnome who always paid close attention to what happened around him in nature. It was a lovely summer day, but Pirrewit noticed something special was happening.
Above the pond, the swallows were fluttering back and forth, faster than usual. They made circles in the air, dipped over the water’s surface, and then shot back into the sky. Pirrewit looked up and smiled. “Ah,” he whispered softly, “the swallows are getting ready for their big journey.“
Why are they flying away? you might wonder. Well, swallows love warmth and sunshine, and as the days grow shorter and autumn approaches, it becomes too cold for them here. So they fly all the way south, to warmer countries where they can find food and rest.
“They’re going on quite the adventure,” Pirrewit said as he picked up a small acorn and tossed it into the water. “They’ll fly thousands of kilometers, over mountains, seas, and vast deserts. But they do it every year, and when spring comes again, they’ll fly back to our forest.“
The swallows chirped cheerfully, as if they were saying goodbye. They knew exactly where they were going, thanks to their strong wings and their instincts, a kind of natural compass that always guides them.
Pirrewit watched as the swallows made one final loop around the pond. Then, with a swift turn, they all flew off together in the same direction, toward the far horizon. “See you next year!” Pirrewit called after them. “We’ll be waiting for you here in the spring!”
He waved happily, knowing that nature is always in motion. Everything has its own time and place, Pirrewit thought, and that’s what makes the world so beautiful.
