At a certain moment she is standing there right by the trees together with her black silhouette. The sun plays with her contours, Dobra is familiar with those black contours on the ground. You cannot see what is different about her this way. Because others say that Dobra is different! She grieves and she often separates herself from the group, hiding herself behind the bushes or beautiful large trees. Sometimes she talks with the trees. The trees offer shelter and safety and Dobra feels the powerful energy which she gratefully absorbs so she can make it through the day.

Dobra grows older and life seems to smile upon her. But Father Zebra and Mother Donkey were not so sure of that because it is generally known that this kind of foals often do not survive, they are expected to live no longer than a few months. However, Dobra started to explore the surroundings. During this explorative expedition she ran into some other foals. One of them said: “What big ears you have.” The other one said: “What odd stripes you have on your legs.”

Mother Donkey

Dobra went for a chat with Mother Donkey and she asked: “Why do I have these stripes on my legs and why do I have big ears?” Mother Donkey was a bit unsure how to answer these questions. Eventually she said: “Dobra, don’t worry about it, who cares what other foals look like?” But Dobra was not satisfied with this, she let it rest for a while and later on she galloped to Father Zebra. When she was standing beside him she gradually discovered that her legs looked just like father’s legs. The same questions were put to Father Zebra and he said: “Your ears are just as big and beautiful as your mother’s and about the stripes on your legs, that’s just fine. Stop whining and run off and play.”

But it kept gnawing at Dobra. As she grew older, more and more things started to trouble her. She felt lonely in spite of having brothers and sisters but they looked different. Dobra had an urgent need for safety and cosiness but that was nowhere to be found. She became more and more sad. Years went by and she had gained a lot of knowledge about the beautiful flora around her. From the smallest flower which was beaming in the sun till the largest flower she could find. Mother Donkey was always very busy with all kinds of things and Father Zebra also did not have time for her. Dobra thought: “Now I have found it, a beautiful world of flowers and plants around me.” She knew all the names and thought it was wonderful!   

Father Zebra 

Until Father Zebra took her in hand: “Now listen, Dobra. Is it really that important that you know the names of all the flowers and all the plants by heart? There are other things in life which are important.” A terrible OW, OW, OW feeling surfaced, Dobra became quite upset about this, in her opinion, nasty remark and she found herself in a deep, deep hole. 

Gradually she started to hang around with the others. She met another zebra called Zedon. It was not easy for her but they appeared to click with each other. This zebra friend was the first one who did not let her down. He did not make comments on her appearance and he accepted her the way she was. Sometimes Dobra became shy because of this. Zedon told her that life was not easy for him either. But together they were strong; together they went out into the world. 

At a certain moment they decided to find a place together where they could rest in the evenings. That was not so easy after all. Time passed but eventually far away from Mother Donkey and Father Zebra a beautiful spot was found, a place with a lot of trees, flowers and butterflies. Dobra and Zedon were very happy. Mother Donkey and Father Zebra said: “You don’t know what you are letting yourself in for.” But Dobra and Zedon had high hopes. They had their own place!!

The years flew by and Dobra was still looking for something but she wasn’t quite sure what she was looking for. Then Mother Donkey became ill, what to do? Even though Dobra lived far away, she frequently visited Mother Donkey and she took care of her. Mother Donkey appreciated that. Father Zebra became very anxious and insecure because he did know what would happen. Mother Donkey said: “Dobra, we elderly will be like foals again.”  A few days later, she passed away.

Because of his grief Father Zebra lost contact with day to day life. Dobra also visited Father Zebra frequently but finally grief won and he passed away as well. Now Dobra was completely alone in spite of her brothers and sisters. But she had a great idea. “Now it is time to do whatever I like.” Dobra thought and sure enough she found another group of zebras and donkeys who were on the same wavelength. Dobra likes to be a bit uncommon and she enjoys discovering a new world. A world in which she can be herself without judgements, just be. She is still busy with her quest and self-development.  

Her grandfather once said: “You will get there.”

Dobra realizes more and more that she is able to feel powerful if she can trust herself. She also learns that it is necessary to accept all events and especially the sad ones in her little life to clear the way and start doing new things. Dobra now stands up for herself and enjoys the life around her. There is still so much to discover. She also embraces new meetings in her life. She could scream with joy, but she keeps it to herself because it would draw too much attention. She turns it into singing and she dances towards freedom.

And she lived happily ever after!!!

Paintings and fairytale by Yvonne Ekelschot, 2005