Summary

Jank and Kank, two birds who are best friends, meet daily to enjoy the joyful sounds of children playing during recess, which they consider the most beautiful music on Earth, and they look forward to the next recess after sharing news of a cherry tree with ripe, juicy fruit.

Abstract

Jank and Kank, two birds with a unique appreciation for the sounds of children, have a daily ritual of meeting on power lines by an elementary school playground. They cherish the recess time, referring to the children's voices as "little human-song," which they find more advanced and delightful than any other sound on the planet. Their conversation reveals a deep admiration for the happiness and vibrancy of the children at play. The birds are aware of the impending summer break, during which the playground will be silent, and they dread the absence of the children's music. They believe that the universe's harmony depends on these sounds. After sharing their excitement about discovering a cherry tree laden with ripe fruit, they fly off to enjoy the fruit but ensure they return in time for the next recess to once again immerse themselves in the children's music.

Opinions

Jank and Kank value the sound of children playing ("little human-song") as the most powerful and uplifting music in the world.
The birds consider the joyful noise of children to be a sign of their advanced nature compared to adults.
They express a belief that the universe's existence may depend on the music created by children at play.
The birds find the sight of children on the playground to be a source of happiness and joy, not just because of the sound but also due to the children's vibrant colors and expressions of delight.
The story suggests that the birds find a sense of community and shared experience in listening to the children with other birds on the power line.
The birds are saddened by the prospect of the playground being empty during the summer break, indicating their emotional connection to the children's presence and activity.
Jank and Kank prioritize the enjoyment of the children's music over their own immediate hunger, as they choose to stay and listen before going to eat from the cherry tree.

Human Watching

A power line with a view

Jank and Kank had been best friends for several seasons. They met twice a day on the power lines next to the elementary school playground. They timed their meetings to coincide with recess.

Today Kank was the first one there. Excited with good news, Jank flew toward the power line where Kank was perched, landing just a few inches away from Kank.

Kank: “Greetings, Jank.”

Jank: “Greetings, Kank. I’ve got some great news. I didn’t miss the little human-song did I?”

Kank: “No, but I have a feeling they will be coming out any minute.”

Just then a loud buzzing sound came from the school building. Doors suddenly flung open and little humans came pouring out onto the playground.

Jank: “Oh yippee. I’m just in time.”

Kank: “Isn’t it wonderful? I don’t think there is any more delightful sound on this planet than little human-song.”

Jank: “I so agree. Thank goodness for little humans. Too bad the big humans don’t make such beautiful music. The little humans are obviously the more advanced of the two types of humans. Just listen to that glorious music they make on the playground.”

Kank: “I could listen to it all day. Too bad they only come out to play twice a day.”

Jank: “Well, you know that it is almost summer and there will be that awful time when the playground is empty all day for a couple of months.”

Kank: “Yes, that will be so sad. We’ll have to fly all over town searching for isolated pockets of little humans playing. The music is never as intense as when they are all in one place together.”

Jank: “An old bird I know says that without little human-song the universe would collapse.”

Kank chuckled: “Yeah, I’ve heard of that old bird. I think it’s true. The sound of little humans playing has got to be the most powerful, uplifting music in the world. I can’t imagine a world without it.”

Jank: “And it’s not just the music. I mean, look at them! They are so happy, so full of joy.”

Kank: “And they’re so colorful!”

Kank turned to look down the power line. There were scores of birds on the line watching the little humans.

Eventually the loud buzzing noise came from the school building again and all the little humans raced towards the building to go back inside. Most of the other birds on the line flew away.

Kank turned to Jank: “So what is this exciting news you were going to tell me?”

Jank: “Oh, it’s so exciting! I found this cherry tree not too far from here…”

Kank: “Are the cherries ripe already?”

Jank: “They’re not only ripe but they are fantastic! They are so much juicier than last year.”

Kank: “So what are we doing here? I’m starving! Take me to that tree.”

Jank and Kank flew off to have lunch but they were back at the playground after lunch just in time for the next recess.

Another anthropomorphic tale…

The Little Green Puppy

A bedtime story for humans

medium.com