Wonky Donkey

Yesterday I was reminded of ‘Wonky Donkey’… With only three legs he’s a wonky donkey… with just one eye he’s a winky wonky donkey… liking country music, he’s a honky tonky winky wonky donkey…

The list of the donkey’s odd characteristics grows… by the end he’s a ‘spunky hanky panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky tonky winky wonky donkey’. I’m sure that some folks would disapprove and say that it’s inappropriate – especially for children. It makes me smile – and think…

Diversity… We’re all different! There isn’t another donkey like this wonky donkey. The final list of eleven adjectives that describe him are quite extensive!

Thinking of folks that I chatted to yesterday… If I listed their odd features I would finish with a unique list similar to the wonky donkey. Physical disabilities, peculiar tastes, personal features, bad habits, talents… I’m sure that some would delight in doing the same for me.

Acceptance… Our donkey friend has to be accepted as he is. He’s not going to change. He’s not going to grow a fourth leg or suddenly enjoy opera instead of country music.

It would be much more convenient if some friends were different. The truth is that they are wonky donkey friends who won’t change just because I demand it. I must accept them as they are. Sometimes it’s hardest to accept myself; I have my own wonky donkey features too.

Laughter…  Wonky donkey makes me smile. I’m not saying that being a three-legged one-eyed donkey isn’t a sad disadvantage and disability; I am saying that by the end of the song my empathy is mixed with laughter.

Some friends take themselves so seriously. Others are able to smile at themselves and their situation. I have seen the weak smile at their lack of strength, the bereaved find humour in their loss, perfectionists laugh at their mistakes…

Today… I shall join with my fellow wonky donkeys seeking to rejoice in our differences, accepting each other willingly, encouraging laughter at each other – and especially ourselves.