Kora Musician Baba the Storyteller

Here’s another example of a proverb that can be understood on several levels.

“When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”

I used to employ this one years ago when I was using storytelling as a tool to aid in teaching parenting skills. It seemed to really hit home with those couples who were constantly arguing in front of their children. It became a favorite of mine during a day I was sitting outside watching my children play, when they were very young at the time and my son said it to one of his playmates. I don’t recall the context and I think my son was around 9 years old at the time. I was so shocked that I just sat there with my mouth open. None of the children noticed me sitting there with this dumb-struck look on my face, they just resumed the game they were playing as if nothing had happened.

A very pivotal moment for me. I was filled with pride at the fact that my son actually used a proverb.

Needless to say, this proverb can relate to anyone from politicians to parents, from school administrators to generals and everyone in between.

Personally, I’ve always tried to keep this in mind when charged with the responsibility of engaging young minds. I know that we, adults, are always being watched by those ever inquisitive eyes of the young.

“Dooni dooni kononi be nyaga da.”