When I was eight I longed to be a bird. Birds were cool. If I bird wanted to go from here to there, it just flies straight there. No need to worry about streets or sidewalks or traffic. I envied their flying ability. I felt the life of birds was carefree and spontaneous.
But at age ten I changed my mind. I was playing at Tommy’s house when a huge dark storm appeared approaching rapidly. Home was a fifteen-minute bike ride away – 5 long blocks on Brown Street, turn right, then left. As I wondered if I could beat the storm, birds were darting into bushes and other sheltered spots. How easy for them. They could fly home in less than 5 minutes.
I pedaled furiously but only got half-way home before the heavens opened dumping huge cold raindrops. I got soaked, my wet shirt clinging to my back. Next it started to hail. Then one pea-sized hailstone slammed into my cheek. That was the moment I decided not to be a bird. It is too dangerous.
The hailstone stung slightly as it bounced off my cheek. If I had been a tiny bird instead of a mighty ten-year old, it would have knocked me out of the sky. The pain, I thought, might be equivalent to dropping a bowling bowl on my toe. Ouch! Dangerous.
When I finally reached home somewhat chilled and thoroughly soaked, mom brought me a fresh change of clothes still warm from the dryer. If a bird gets wet, it stays wet. If it gets cold, it stays cold. It doesn’t have a welcoming, warm home.
A pleasing aroma of soup warming on the stove cheered me more. Nice. But if I was a bird, no one would make a meal for me. I’d have to search for a worm or bug or find some seed. I could wait for the storm to end or, if I was starving, I might venture out in the rain and hail.
That night as I slipped under the covers I remembered that a bird would be huddled in the fork of a tree branch for the night trying to stay warm and dry. I preferred my safe, comfortable bed.
TO BE CONTINUED . . . . . Some day I will add to this post. Until them remember a bird’s life is not as ideal and carefree as it seems. There are many dangerous elements a bird’s life. I will talk more about them (some day)
Read Full Post »