THE GREATEST 

by: Gervacio "Joey" B. Dauz, Jr. 

Text: Luke 9:46-48 

One of our favorite pastimes during our childhood years was our penchant to listen to stories. During said growing up years, we seemed not to grow tired listening to stories repeated by our mom or dad down to “infinity.” Even during our full grown years, when we have presumably discarded already those fairy tales, legends, outmoded loony cartoons, and Sesame stuff of years bygone, still our inclination for listening to stories has not really waned nor been outgrown. Could it be that there is still a child that lives within each of us, a kid that dwells within the recesses of our respective hearts? Whether the reckoning has a psychological worth or not is left for the reader to decide. But for now, let me hope that the child within you would be listening, say reading intently, as I draw you to this bedside story of mine. One time, the animal kingdom held a rare grand reunion in the safari of Kenya. The get-together was obviously a success considering that it was star-studded and well-attended by luminaries. Mimicking our human custom for competition, they also held a Skills Olympics. Parrot, being the standout emcee, yakity-yak and blah-blah-blah on stage like a sub-machine gun dispensing empty shells. After stating the criteria of the contest in high decibel, dizzying speed, he ignited the crowd by clucking out a frenzied challenge: “If you think you are part of the who’s who generation, then come up front and parade your terrific skills and achievements.” Suddenly, a hair-raising growl issued from among the crowd. “Grrrrr,” King Lion bellowed, “obviously, being the class president in the animal kingdom, I suppose I should start the ball rolling. You know, I was famous during the days of the gladiators. The Caesars of Rome and other emperors kept me in their stead as a beloved but dreadful pet. They had that grave respect for my ability to tear to pieces whoever stands in my way. Indeed, I am very famous. Even now, nobody has dared to dethrone me as the king of the jungle.” “Really?” sneered the Chimpanzee. “You cannot claim to be the only famous. You see, I am not only famous but handsome as well. If not, then why should Queen Sheba dare gave me as a gift to King Solomon? Not only that, I had already been to outer space together with the astronauts in one of their expeditions. Correct, I had seen the globe hurtling through space and none of you can claim such distinction.” “Enough of it,” snapped Elephant. “You just went to outer space so that you would be able to see at a better vantage point the majestic landmark known as the Great Wall of China, which my ancestors helped to build. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Poor Chimpanzee, you were taken for a ride.” “Hisss, hush now,” urged Snake. “Talking about prominence, you could count me as next to none. In the beginning, before anyone of you were mentioned singularly, I was already. You better consult the book of Genesis for that. Even the medical practitioners used my symbol as insignia, an enduring proof that I am the best also in the field of medicine.” “How pitiful thou art in the animal kingdom,” retorted Giraffe, “you who has to rear your ugly head so that everybody could at least recognize your presence. Look at me, the tallest of them all. And in case you forget it, ‘height is might’.” “Mehehehehe!!!” rallied Horse. “Aw, boasting of hot airs. Your height is as good as nothing without any earth-shaking achievements. You know, when Genghis Khan conquered the old world, he relied on my speed and stamina. Julius Caesar, Marco Polo, King David and many other famous personalities have ridden on my back. Dare I enumerate more?” The parade of “sound and fury” went on and on ad nauseam like a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. But after the dust had settled on the ground, long after they lost the appetite and the saliva to boast of their wares, still one animal withstood his ground to be the king of deafening silence. Just to prod him to speak, Parrot outmaneuvered everyone into silence. Even then, he remained silent. But when all the animals joined in the chorus of petitioning him to speak his side, he finally conceded. With a quivering, apologetic voice, Donkey began his narrative: “What can I say? All of you were obviously gifted by the Almighty with those strengths and achievements to which I have none in comparison. If you have not prodded me to speak, I would be most contented to remain anonymous. But there was only one episode, so dim in my memory now, which I am not sure if you would wish to remember. Two thousand years ago, I was pacing the road towards Bethlehem. On my back, I was carrying someone named Mary, who at that time was painfully laboring. The husband – named Joseph – was tugging me all along. If I remember it right, he was listlessly looking for a prospective place of refuge so that his wife can give birth to a child. Other than that, I could no longer recall of any event. Pardon me.” Afterwards, there was a deafening silence. Only the muted hymn to the tune of “Silent night, holy night . . . ” floated and echoed in the air. And yonder in the eastern skies, the Nova shines ever so brightly. 

*First published in Vibrance October 2004 – January 2005, which is the official newsletter of the Galing Pilipino Movement-Caraga Chapter.