English / A2
The Dog and the Water-Lily
I am walking beside a river with my dog, Beau. He is playing near the water.
I see some beautiful flowers growing in the river. They are water lilies. I want one, so I try to pull it closer with my walking stick. But I cannot reach it. Beau watches me.
I call him, and we walk further along the river.
When we come back, Beau is far ahead of me. He sees the flower again and jumps into the water. He picks it and swims towards me. Soon he puts the flower at my feet.
I am very happy. “I will tell everyone what you did,” I say. “People think they are better than animals. But they can learn from you. You are so quick to show your love for me. I want to show my love for God like that. He gives me everything.”
English summary · includes the ending
The narrator takes a break from his writing and walks beside the River Ouse with his dog, Beau. The dog plays among the riverside plants and chases a bird across the fields.
The narrator admires the newly opened water lilies and wants to pick one. He tries to pull a flower towards the bank with his walking stick, but cannot reach it. Beau watches closely. The narrator then calls him and continues his walk.
On their return, Beau is far ahead. He sees the lily again, jumps into the river and picks it. He swims towards the narrator and drops the flower at his feet.
Delighted, the narrator promises to tell the world about Beau's action. He thinks the dog can teach proud humans a lesson. Most of all, he wants to follow Beau's example himself, showing the same ready love to God, who gives him everything.
Adapted for Lejrbål from the credited source.
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