To Live like a Wombat

"It's time for you to leave our wombat burrow young one." Mama Wombat said to her young one.

"Is it time already? To leave Redgum Grove? I have learnt digging and sniffing. Hiding and foraging. Playing and seeking. Now it's time to live on my own?"

"Yes it is, Wilson. How ready do you feel?"

"I feel very nervous, but excited. My worries are worries in worries."

"What do you mean by worries are worries in worries?" Mama Wombat asked

"When I have a worry, another one pops up."

Mama Wombat replied, "I've seen you! You are as strong as a tree trunk. Your skin will help protect you from nasty bites. The burrow which you will make, will be as safe as the one we have here."

"What I'm worried about is if I can dig my own burrow? If I fail, I will have no home."

"Now don't go worrying about that. There are friends to help you. Go along now, young one. I am happy to have raised you for the wombat you are."

Young Wilson plodded into the bushland. He had so many thoughts circling his head. What if I can't find any friends? What if I do something wrong? What if I get lost? All these thoughts swirling around Wilson's head made him want to explore the bushland.

The young wombat followed the trail of feathers. He looked up and saw a kookaburra feeding her children. Wilson heard a laugh. 

"Hello Mrs. Kookaburra, I am Wilson and I have just left home. Is it alright if I can make my burrow here?"

"Yes, of course young one. But I don't see many burrows here, there are some near the creek. I suggest you go to the creek."

Wilson thought that he had some good company with the kookaburras.

"Mrs. Kookaburra, you seem like a friendly one, the sound of your laughs makes me feel joy. So I will dig my burrow here."

Wilson began digging with his paws. As he was digging, Mrs. Kookaburra sang some songs which brought a smile on Wilson's nozzle.

The dirt kept on crumbling and toppling on top of each other. Wilson thought, There is something wrong with my digging. I am a terrible digger. How did Mama make one so sturdy? Will I ever be like Mama?

Mrs. Kookaburra continued her song. While Wilson was flipping around in the dirt he said to himself, It looks like the dirt is too dry, I better find elsewhere to go.

He turned his head upward towards Mrs. Kookaburra

"It was a pleasure to hear you sing. But I must go towards the creek.

So Wilson then trudged towards the creek. The worries in worries began. Wilson began to think that he had lost his digging skills.

At the creek, Wilson saw a tiny burrow. It was half the size of him. I wonder who could live in there? Wilson thought. Inside the creek, Wilson saw a bill and webbed feet that were floating in the water. It's a platypus he thought.

"Mrs. Platypus, I am Wilson and have just left home. May I dig my burrow next to yours?"

Mrs. Platypus replied, "My dear wombat, it's better if you go to the other side of the creek so you can have more space to dig your burrow." 

Wilson said, "Thank you for the suggestion. You know a lot about digging burrows. I had some trouble digging my own burrow up on higher ground. Do you think I can dig one at the creek?"

"Digging is not just about how well you can dig, but the right place to dig. " Mrs. Platypus said.

"Then I shall find the right place for my burrow."

Along went Wilson towards the other side of the creek. It was all lonely with not a sight of a living animal. Wilson thought, This is the place for my burrow. But it is all rather lonely.

Wilson began digging. He dug and dug. I am digging! He thought. Wilson could feel himself losing energy, but he kept on burrowing.

There was nothing wrong with my digging, he said to himself. I can dig like Mama.

"I have made my home!" He yelled as he prodded outside the burrow.

In the distance, he heard the laughs of Mrs. Kookaburra. The sounds of Mrs. Kookaburra will always give me joy. In the distance he saw the platypus swimming in the creek. Wilson said, "Hi Mrs. Platypus I made my burrow."

"That's such great news Wilson. You did a splendid job. I'm sure your mama would be proud." Along, swam the platypus.

Wilson thought to himself, I have made my burrow, it's as safe as the one in Redgum Grove. Like Mama said, I have friends to help me.

The young wombat began to dance to the songs of Mrs. Kookaburra, and his worries began to fade. Until the next day came.