The Phoenix’s Nest-Building School
The Phoenix began,
“Building a nest is not easy. It takes skill, patience, and care.”
But not all the birds were truly interested.
• The Chicken quickly fell asleep, snoring loudly before the Phoenix could explain anything.
• The Owl rolled his eyes and flew away, thinking he was too smart to learn from anyone else.
• The Crow listened for a minute, got bored, and left before the important instructions.
• The Sparrow interrupted, saying, “Everyone knows that,” and hopped up to a tree, refusing to listen.
Only the Swallow stayed quiet, listened carefully, and took mental notes.
The Right Way to Build a Nest
The Phoenix explained the full process:
• Find a forked branch that’s strong and stable.
• Gather solid twigs and bend them carefully into shape.
• Weave the twigs tightly into a small, round basket.
• Line the nest with clay to hold it together.
• Add straw and leaves for warmth and comfort.
When the lesson ended, the Swallow bowed in gratitude.
“Thank you, wise Phoenix,” she said, and soared into the sky, ready to build.
What Happened Next
As time passed, each bird’s choices led to very different outcomes:
• The Chicken never remembered a thing. Humans had to build coops for it because it couldn’t build a nest on its own.
• The Owl, too arrogant to learn, lives in dark tree holes without a real nest.
• The Crow, who left the lesson halfway, built messy, tangled nests. That’s why we still say someone looks “like a crow’s nest” when they’re untidy.
• The Swallow, who listened and worked hard, built a neat, warm, and beautiful nest — just as she was taught.
Moral of the Story
Knowledge means nothing without effort, humility, and action.
This timeless tale reminds us that those who pay attention, stay committed, and apply what they learn will always do better than those who are lazy, arrogant, or impatient.