A cowboy was travelling across a mountain valley along with his donkey and mule. The donkey was well laden, while the mule had little goods on his back. Carrying the load was an easy task for the donkey, as long as he was going along the plains. His job became more and more difficult as they ascended the steep mountain. In fact, it became quite unbearable. So, the donkey requested his companion, “This load is too much for me. My back is hurting. Can you please take some of my load on your back?” But the mule paid no attention to the request. Soon, the donkey collapsed under his heavy load. The bewildered cowboy put the entire load on the mule’s back now. The mule realised, ‘I made a mistake. I should have helped the poor donkey in his hour of need. Sharing a burden was much easier. Now, I will have to carry the entire load.’
Sharing the Burden
