The Bird and the Monkey

Poetic Parable

Once, a child found a tiny bird in a tiny nest and resolved to nurture it to life and health.

As she carried along the tiny bird in the tiny nest, a monkey dropped from a tree. With razor-sharp teeth, it bit the baby bird’s head clean off, then scampered away.

The girl wailed, filled with shock and guilt.

I have not time to study ornithology, not money to buy a cage, not heart to love a tiny animal that falls into my care. If I see a helpless bird, I ignore it.

As if it can hear my thoughts, like lighting, the monkey descends and sinks it’s teeth into my heart.

I find the same fate as the poorest creature I ignore.

Better not to be the bird, the monkey or myself — but rather the girl, with a heart to love, tears to cry and story to tell.

“Your neighbor is your unknown self made visible. His face shall be reflected in your still waters, and if you gaze therein you shall behold your own countenance.”

Khalil Gibran

Truth is stranger than fiction — this is based on a real event.

#takingmyownmedicine