Way back, when the world was shiny and new, the Kind Creator was deciding how long each creature should live.

First came the Donkey. "You shall live for thirty years," said the Creator.
"Oh dear!" brayed the Donkey. "Thirty years of carrying heavy bags and getting whacked with sticks? That's too much! Please, can it be less?"
The Creator, being kind, said, "Alright, you can give up eighteen years." So the donkey was happy with twelve years.

Next trotted up the Dog. "You shall live for thirty years," said the Creator.
"Woof! Thirty years?" barked the Dog. "That's a long time to run till my legs ache, bark till my throat is sore, and then, when I'm old, I'll have no teeth left for bones! Too long!"
The Creator smiled. "Okay, loyal dog. You can give back twelve years." So the dog was content with eighteen years.

Then swung in the Monkey. "You shall live for thirty years," said the Creator.
"Ooh-ooh-aah-aah! Thirty years?" chattered the Monkey. "Always having to be cheerful and play tricks to make people laugh? Even fun gets tiring! What if I can't make them laugh when I'm old? No, no, too long!"
The Creator chuckled. "Hmm, playful monkey. You can give back ten years." So the monkey was pleased with twenty years.

Finally, Man appeared. "You, Man, shall also live for thirty years," said the Creator.
"Only thirty years?" said Man. "That seems so short! Just when I've built my house, planted my garden, and started to enjoy life, I'll have to leave it all? Oh, please, can I have more time?"

The Kind Creator thought for a moment. "Well," he said, "the donkey gave up eighteen years, the dog gave up twelve, and the monkey gave up ten. You may have those years if you wish."
"Oh, yes please!" said Man, very pleased. "That would be wonderful!"

And so it was. Man lives for about seventy years.
The first thirty years are his own. He is healthy, happy, works with joy, and enjoys life. These are his best years.
Then come the donkey's eighteen years. During this time, life's burdens are often laid upon him. He has to work hard, carrying responsibilities for others, and sometimes he feels tired and overworked, just like the donkey.
After that come the dog's twelve years. He might sit in the corner, grumble a bit, and not have as much energy as before, but he's still a faithful companion.
And finally, come the monkey's ten years. In this time, Man can become a bit like a child again. He might do silly things, and children might find him amusing and laugh with him, just like they do with a playful monkey.

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