Ava and the Woeful Welliphan
By Steve Cleverley/Sanj Sen
Snuggle down, close your eyes, cosy up and relax. Tonight we’re visiting a jungly corner of the moonlit world of Moshi to hear about a sweet little Rainbow Dove called Ava, and a Woeful Welliphant called… Dinky.
Right now should be our time
So why borrow from dreams tomorrow
Right now’s our time to shine
You and me, thoughts free, right now
Picture this, a golden sunset over towering trees
As jungly noises float upon the balmy evening breeze
There on the savanna is a Moshling chewing grass
It’s a Welliphant called Dinky, and he looks a bit downcast
Meanwhile on a nearby branch, a little birdy’s tweeting…
Trying to cheer up Dinky as he goes about his eating
The birdy’s name is Ava, a joyful Rainbow Dove
Who flits around the jungle spreading peace, good cheer and love
Ava often likes to help when jungle friends feel glum
So she flutters down and lands upon her gloomy Moshling chum
Dinky looks around and sees her perched upon his rump
And says, “I suppose you’re here to tell me I’m a grumpy chump”
Right now should be our time
So why borrow from dreams tomorrow
Right now’s our time to shine
You and me, thoughts free, right now
If you’re wondering what Dinky looks like, picture in your mind
A Moshling with a trunk, big ears and the saddest eyes you’ll find
He wears a little purple hat with matching welly boots
And his face looks like he’s chewing on a thousand sour fruits
Ava, on the other hand, is dainty, cute and sweet
With rainbow coloured feathers and a glossy yellow beak
As she rides on Dinky’s back the two make quite a pair
And heading towards the watering hole, other creatures stare
But Dinky doesn’t mind cos Ava’s often on his back
Trying to cheer him up because she has a certain knack…
… Of helping others feel uplifted when they’re sad or down
Though even she has trouble ridding Dinky of his frown
Right now should be our time
So why borrow from dreams tomorrow
Right now’s our time to shine
You and me, thoughts free, right now
As the stars gleam up above, Ava sings a song
But even though it’s beautiful, Dinky’s face stays long
“Cheer up Dinky” Ava says, “It’s such a lovely night”
But Dinky just harrumphs and moans “These stars are way too bright”
Ava tries a different tack, “Why do you wear those boots?”
She asks as Dinky roots around for oobla doobla fruits
“And how about your little hat?” she whispers while he chews
“Do you dress like this to try and beat your welliphant-style blues?”
“I’ve always worn them, ever since I travelled with the circus”
Says Dinky plodding on and on, with zero oomph or purpose
He slopes towards the river for his early evening drink
But what he’s said makes Ava twitch her beak and start to think…
Right now should be our time
So why borrow from dreams tomorrow
Right now’s our time to shine
You and me, thoughts free, right now
Hopping up on Dinky’s hat, Ava tweets a tune
The jungle feels so magical beneath the silvery moon
Dragonflies skim the river, just like little jewels
As Glowfish dance and twinkle in the glimmering rock pools
“Isn’t nature splendid?” Ava swoons as crickets sing
“I suppose so” mumbles Dinky… “If you like that kind of thing”
Dinky dips his little trunk into the moonlit river
Then sprays himself with water, making Ava shake and quiver
“You need to wise up, Dinky,” Ava whispers in his ear
“Life is really beautiful, especially round here”
“You might be right” shrugs Dinky, trampling over vines and stalks
As Ava looks and notices, he’s wincing as he walks
Right now should be our time
So why borrow from dreams tomorrow
Right now’s our time to shine
You and me, thoughts free, right now
Ava’s perched on Dinky as he heads towards his bed
Then hops off saying “Dinky, I’ve been pondering what you said…
Those boots of yours were not designed for wearing in the jungle
I know you really love them but I think you’ve made a bungle
“When most of us see rainbows, all you see is rain
But now I know that you’ve been walking round in dreadful pain
Those boots are made for walking, but not in jungle heat
Cos warmth can make things swell up, especially your feet”
Dinky looks quite puzzled, and is just about to scoff
But then sees Ava’s lovely smile, so he takes his wellies off
He shuts his eyes in sweet relief and stands still for a while
And then as he begins to walk… he breaks into… a smile
Right now should be our time
So why borrow from dreams tomorrow
Right now’s our time to shine
You and me, thoughts free, right now
Even though it’s bedtime now, Dinky’s still awake
Cherishing his surroundings, cos his feet no longer ache
“I’m really sorry,” Dinky says, “For being so sour and cranky”
Then Ava smiles and whispers, “Oh, please… no need to thank me!”
Dinky now appreciates everything much more
And can’t believe how miserable his boots made him before
His frown has now turned upside down, he’s nicer to his friends
And he vows to visit all of them to try and make amends
But first of all he needs to thank the little Rainbow Dove
Who helped improve his mood with all her kindness, warmth and love
He picks an orchid with his trunk, and says, “I’ll always savour…
… Learning how to smile once more, all thanks to you, dear Ava”
Ava takes the orchid, pecking Dinky on his cheek
Then the two of them part company to have a good night’s sleep
More than ever, Dinky knows the best things in life are free
And whenever he’s asked how, he says “A little bird told me”
Goodnight.
