Just Like You

Just Like You

Yama Lama was a Lama and she lived in upstate New York. In fact, she lived on the second floor of the Winchell Apartments on the west side. Now that might be kind of funny to be a lama living in New York. But she never thought much of it.

On Saturday she went out to play. She took her skateboard and her pack. Yama thought she would run and run and be right back. But time went on and she played hard, and that was far... far..., from her front yard.

Yama passed the market and the barbershop.

She zipped on by the gas station and the school too. Yama Lama, she was no fool. (It was Saturday no classes today.)

In this direction, there was a place, like no other, not even in outer space. It was a magical, secret she wanted to embrace.

You ask her now, where does she go? Yama will not tell you, she will only show.

The zoo, the zoo... my friends.

It was her goal all along, it was her inner song.

There she went right in the door like she had just a few times before. Now she goes there all the time, even if they charged more than just a dime.

Yama Lama went around the circle... Each friend she had to see. Yama Lama was a busy bee.

First, there were the lions. She liked to hear them roar.

Then there were the zebras, coloring like before.

Soon she came to elephants, they made her laugh the most. They were having their breakfast and they tossed her a toast.

Yama Lama went on by... smiling all the way. She loved to laugh and sing, and look at everything.

Yama Lama passed the snakes, for "goodness sakes" She hurried, as she rather be closer to anything thing else... that was furry.

Then ahead, Yama... she could see, just exactly what she sought. It was a sign post with a picture of herself. There it was, the amazing portrait.

Yama Lama could not read, but the sign read clearly... "Llama exhibit from South America"

Yama Lama stared at it a bit. She had never seen anything or anyone, that looked like her before, it was a wonderful feeling inside.

Then she looked up and to her surprise, another llama stood nearby. It was a very real thing, not a dream. Yama Lama could not believe that there were any others just like herself.

"Hello, friend." The llama spoke. He had a funny accent.

"Oh my, oh my you talked to me?" Yama exclaimed in shock.

"Of course you silly horse?" He laughed.

"I am not a horse." She harrumphed back at him. Suddenly upset.

"No, you are not. You are a pretty llama." He spoke comforting words. "I was only teasing you."

Yama Lama smiled. Her friends told her that teasing was not always bad. Sometimes it is gentle prodding, to be friends.

"Where are you from?" Yama finally asked.

"I am from South America. But my friend who lives here too is from Chile." The llama replied.

"I have never seen another llama." Yama the llama replied.

"Llamas are all over. They are in South America which is lovely and far from here. They have incredible old buildings and cobblestone streets there. We are in Peru; home of the ancient Inca Indians, Ecuador; which has the highest point on the whole planet, Chile; which has deserts, rainforests, and animals galore. We can even be found in Australia, the island continent full of alligators, and the outback. Even Europe, along the mountains of many nations. We get around." He smiled a llama smile.

"I thought I was the only one because I never saw another... brother. Thank you. I feel very much less alone.

"My name is Goto. I lived in a small village and helped my owner with the sheep. I protected them. It is just one of the many things we llamas can do. We are great workers."

Yama Lama was very surprised. She had never done "work" before. She simply played every day, and night... and had a lot of fun. It was interesting to think others had different lives than her own.

Goto continued, "Llamas are used all over has helpers. They are even be used in places like Canada where it is cold, and the United States of America." He was so proud to be a llama it clearly showed.

Yama Lama had learned so much. She was even happier than before. All she wanted to do was come and look at the sign. Now she was able to talk to a real llama, just like herself.

"Thank you, friend. I have learned so much about llamas. That is why I love the zoo. You can learn so much about all kinds of animals."

"This is a nice place. They treat us well. I like to run and be free better, but it is good to teach people about llamas." Goto replied.

"I have a question," She began. "Llama's live all over, and they all do great things is a fantastic fact. Are there any kinds of llamas that are better than other llamas?" Yama asked very quietly.

What did she mean?

"No, my little friend. We are all just the same. One llama born here or there is no different from the next. We live on the same planet. It is good to live together."

This made Yama Lama very happy. It is how she always felt in her heart. It was nice to know that other llamas felt the same way.

"I have to go now Goto, but I will be back," Yama spoke in a happy tone.

"You are welcome anytime my little friend." Goto returned.

Yama llama skipped away, having had the very best day. She had learned so many things about llamas, but mostly about friends. It never matters who you are or where it is you live. We are all the same you know, Goto said so.

"God bless your day in every way," Yama llama sings, she sings about most... everything!

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