As a past president of the Homoeopathic Humour Society, I have always been partial to a joke or two. This one has an element of education in it:

On a bitter winter's day, a small bird flew across a farmyard in a vain hunt for food and water. As the cold took grip on its little frame, its wings ceased to beat and it glided to the ground. As its heart slowed, it knew that death was close. What it did not know was that a cow was passing by, which quite by chance lifted its tail and emptied its bowels all over the little bird. Normally this would be offensive, but on this occasion the warmth of the pat was just what was needed. As it thawed, the little bird sang with glee. Unfortunately, a cat heard its trills, pulled it out from the mire, washed it down in a nearby stream, and ate it.

This little story illustrates three important principles in life. Firstly, the person who drops you in it is not necessarily your enemy. Secondly, the person who digs you out of it is not necessarily your friend. And thirdly, and most importantly, if you are in it, keep your mouth shut.