Agatha’s Feather Bed: Not Just Another Wild Goose Story

A delightful twist on the O. Henry classic “The Gift of the Magi,” starring a weaver and six angry, naked geese. From award-winning author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy.

When children approach Agatha wanting to know the source of the beautiful fabrics in her weaving shop, she always recites a simple verse.

“Everything comes from something,
Nothing comes from nothing.
Just like paper comes from trees,
And glass comes from sand,
An answer comes from a question.
All you have to do is ask.”

Agatha spins yarn and weaves cloth like no other, and she’s worked hard to sell enough wares to buy a brand new feather bed. However, when six angry, naked geese show up to get their feathers back, Agatha must reckon with how precious resources can be.

New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy puts a delightful twist on the O. Henry story “The Gift of the Magi,” reminding us of the delicate balance between our resources and responsibilities.