The Farmer and the Cowman

The wood duck, at left, and the green heron have decidedly different approaches to solving the same problem.

Toleration
Though herons are very territorial,
Gary abides the duck's intrusion.
"Territory folks should all be pals."

They both want exactly the same thing, but the methods couldn't be more different. Another life metaphor played out in the pond.

The goal is a fat juicy minnow to suck down the gullet, the ultimate reward for diligence and hard work.

Wanda the wood duck aggressively dives deep into the water, again and again, energetically pursuing her goal. Mostly she comes up empty, but she's persistent, plunges repeatedly, reappearing elsewhere, eventually catching the prize. She works the entire pond, fails but won't quit, shakes the water off her feathers, catches her breath then returns to her labors.

On the other hand, Gary the green heron stays out of the water, wants to keep dry. An opportunist, he patiently waits for just the right moment, then strikes. He picks his spot judiciously, stands motionless, reliant on experience, cunning and keen perception. At last, if conditions are right and he has calculated correctly, opportunity approaches and he seizes his reward.

What is your style? How do you see yourself? Wood duck or green heron?

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Rodgers and Hammerstein
The Farmer And The Cowman

The farmer and the cowman should be friends,
Oh, the farmer and the cowman should be friends.
One man likes to push a plough, the other likes to chase a cow,
But that's no reason why they cain't be friends.
Territory folks should stick together,
Territory folks should all be pals

Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/rodgers-and-hammerstein/the-farmer-and-the-cowman-lyrics/#mR5YuQcq3CPT3HTl.99