Muddy Road

It was raining heavily.

Two monks were walking down a muddy road.

A beautiful girl in a silk kimono stopped at a mud puddle.

“Here, let me help you,” said one of the monks.

He lifted her up, walked over the puddle, and put her down.

The girl bowed awkwardly and quickly continued on her way.

The two monks went on their way in complete silence.

That night, they found lodging in a temple.

Just before retiring, one said to the other,

“You know we monks stay away from females,

especially the young and pretty ones.

They are dangerous.

Why did you carry that girl today?”

“I left the girl there,

Are you still carrying her?”