The Silent Bird

A large flock of birds gather at land's end. One is scared and stands near the edge of the cliff. Another bird nearby tells him, "You are a bird, you can fly. Fly high over the land and the sea." The other birds stare at the scared bird while the words are spoken. As the scared bird stands still without response, the others wait. And wait. One lets out a painful cry. One by one all of the birds start crying. The cries become louder and louder and together the piercing sounds gives way to a deep lament. The flock becomes quieter and quieter and a silent mourn ensues.

A bird lifts its wings, ready for flight and takes a last look at the scared bird. He turns his focus to the eyes of the birds to signal he is going. He takes off, over the sea and the others follow. The flock forms an arrow and soon curves its shape to head back to the land. As the birds fly, they each take a glimpse of the scared bird.

He flutters his wings, pushes his body upwards and lifts himself off the ground. He hovers over a small area, around and around he flies. He raises his altitude slightly in order to fly into a tree and rest.

To this day, the scared bird sits in a tree near the edge of the cliff. He grows old sitting there, withering, waiting to die.

"I cannot fly high over the land and sea. I will fall to my death."