Bird Watching

Written by David Itamae as told by Grey Lock

Bird Watching

In a time long past lived a man who was vile in cruel. In his world he ruled absolutely with the suffering to only his subjects. As his wealth grew so did the malice in his heart. It was told that the people cried out for a miracle. In the end they felt unanswered prayers.

One day approaching the kingdom was a man on a brilliant horse. His lavish good looks won him praise from all the maidens. he casually strolled the streets filled with smiles and admiration. He went to the home of the cruel man simply passing by.

When he approached the home the man jeered. Seeming to not notice the gentleman and his steed the man simply walked about doing his business. The man stopped and stepped off his horse. Greeting the man he gave his sincerest smile. The man simple walked away.

As he turned his back and headed for his home the man called to him. Pleading for at least a shred of courtesy and respect the man shook his head. With the last sentence muttered the man slammed his door and locked it tight.

Feeling as though nothing could be said or done the gentleman took hold of his horse and rode away. As he galloped away in the sunset you could hear a muttering of words. Soon after the horse was no longer seen. The sun set that night and what a blissful peace it was.

The next morning the man awoke from his bed. He started to get up when he fell straight to the floor. Calling out to his subjects he only heard a chirp. Screaming louder and louder he kept only hearing a chirp. Flapping his arms he started to see feathers fly about. One by one they flew as if he was in a childhood pillow fight.

Soon he began to look around him seeing the wings fold instead of arms he became discouraged. However that was shot lived as the servants burst through the door. Seeing the bird they began to be rid of the unwanted pest. Finally realizing that it was life or death the man flapped his arms and began to fly away.

Starting for the window he clumsily hit the wall. Falling to the floor was nearly grabbed by a pair of hands. Gaining his balance and quick wit he raced to the window. Finally taking flight he managed to escape and headed for a tree.

Out of breath and tired from the unnatural way of his body. The man bird collapsed. Soundly he slept for a good while. Only to awaken in the mid of the day. With the sun beating overhead he glimpsed the new world around him. Sighing at the hopelessness of it all the bird simply chirped in a crying melody.

Noticing the world around him familiar the bird watched the subjects of his now past life work around him. Noticing the frequent breaks and the slowness in their work angered the bird. As he fianlly had enough he took to the air again. This time he wandered in front of his lazy servants.

With nothing that could be done the servants gathered round to calm the angry bird. With many scratches and cuts the servants finally caught the bird putting him in the cage. As the anger of the bird swelled so did his escapades inside the cage. With their work nearly complete they took the bird in the servants hall.

Each day for weeks the men would pass the hall calling to the bird. Some would feed the bird and others talk to the birds. Finally came a little girl who didn't understand the reason why such a pretty bird had to be caged. Taking the cage to her father she would ask the same questions to her father.

Tired from the long day the girls father took off his work cloths. She with bird in hand rushed through the room. With an open heart the father embraced his daughter in an uneasy hug. "Still hurting father?" the girl asked.

"Yes", said the father.

"If it wasn't for that mean old man you would be ok Papa"said the little girl.

"that maybe true, however we need the money, and we have a place to live. So not that bad.", said the father.

"papa why do we cage this bird?" asked the little girl.

"Well I thought you would like it as a gift. I had brought it so that it might cheer up the house a bit. With the boss gone its a bit more relaxed but if he returns and see us all not working too hard. I would hate to see what he would do." said her father sternly.

As the father spoke the last words he removed his shirt. Years of scars and work related injuries surrounded him. Seeing the pain in his back severe the little girl placed the bird on the counter. Taking some oils and ointments began to rub her fathers back. Knowing that ever little bit helps the girl sang quietly to her father. With the bird in earshot heard the beauty in the voice and fell asleep.

A few weeks past and the bird sat in the room of the servant. With each day the bird would chirp angrily at his unjust treatment and capture. Seeing the girl sing to her father always soothed him however and would always fall asleep. Soon the days became long. The bird started to grow accustomed to his new found home.

Soon when the bird would see the man he noticed that he was moving a bit more slowly. His aches became more prominent. Struggling with each movement the bird could only look in horror as the strong man whittled into a feeble version of himself. One day as the man turned around the bird saw the wound on his back puss and fester uncontrollably.

With his eyes looking on the scene the bird turned away crying to himself. The man he saw did not deserve this kind of life. A good man is hard to find and one with such devotion to his family. The bird would go to sleep with tears rolling down his feathery cheeks.

The next day the bird awoke with the sounds of loud screams and crying. The little girl had came to see her father.Though he did not move. As she looked upon him the color of his face had gone. Bringing in other members of the servants house rushed the girl out. Knowing her father's fate she cried taking the cage with her.

Going to her window she released the door to the cage freeing the bird. She would look out at the sun waiting until the bird had gone. The bird looking confused didn't budge. The girl shook the cage finally seeing the bird fall out closed the door to the cage and stared out the window. Then the girl began to cry.

Weeping aloud she began to slam her fist in the ledge.

"my father had wanted me to free you for such a long time", she said. "He would say you know to keep a free bird locked up is the same as killing them slowly. You may not see it right away but it slowly takes away from their true sense of self. That it applies to man and animals alike. He told me I should have never kept you but that in away your melody was the only way he could rest."

With the girl leaving the room to join the other house mates the bird took to the air. Flying high for the first time. He steadily looked at the ground. Seeing the world from far away seemed so much different. The farms the roads the people all like ants. and dirt piles. Truly insignificant compared to close up the bird realized that each can be petty and loving. That overall what we do and how we act affects those around him.

With the flight making him tired the bird sat down in the tree and rested. When he awoke it was to the sounds of servants calling his name. Getting up quickly he gathered his wits. Seeing hands instead of wings the man rejoiced. However short lived was his praise as he glanced the corner to see the coffin leaving the yard. With the little girl closely behind.

As he rushed to meet her he was met by many whop were glad to see him. Pushing them aside he caught up to the mourners. Finally reaching the little girl he put his arm around her. As if like a pillow she rested her hand upon his head.

When they reached the burial spot the man whispered in the girls ear how much her dad loved her and sang slowly each night the dreams he had for her. With a polite smile hold back tears she asked How he could possibly know? He smiled back at her looking deep in her eyes " A little bird told me"