Cynicism: Best of Part II

It's hard not to be cynical these days. I am not going to deny that darkside about myself. I am a cynic... On the plus side, I am not as cynical as I used to be. Age and other things have made me less so... I think I am more bitter though. But, if you'd been kicked in the head as many times as I have with the emotional foot, then I would like to see you try and smile and be chipper. But, the cynicism is just a small part of me. The thing is, my toddler neice has already figured that out. I am all bark and no bite. Smart little kid if you ask me. She is fearless when it comes to her brut of a looking uncle. I guess she's realized I am pushover and could be all squishy inside. It's one of those things I try hard not to show. She sees it and captializes on it everyday... Well, we can't all be perfect. :) Anyway, I found this little "gem" among my files. I posted this story to my old place way back when (January 2005). It was a quickly written short story I had conceived on a whim when I felt especially cynical in those dark days of college. In fact, I had been served one of those emotional feet to the head! One of these days I will find somebody who won't kick me and, like my niece, and captialize on what I have to offer. They might even be proud to stand next to me.... But, it hasn't exactly been a priority. Anyway, here's the tale... the tale of a faithful trip that started in a tropic port aboard this tiny ship... Wait! Sorry, ummmm... Yeah.

BIRDS

Two birds sat in a tree. One was a much older bird. He had a big, red stomach and a big, red mane. His wings glistened when the sun struck his body through the leaves. This was one proud looking bird. He was actually very wise and knew much about life. One could tell by looking at his demeanor that he had lived a grand life full of experiences and adventures. His grandson sat next to him on the branch. Both of them looked over a vast field. The grandfather bird spoke in a very wise sounding voice. "That field is teaming with discovery, my little grandson. It's almost time for you to spread your wings, fly out there, and start discovering life for yourself. Discovery is the key to a good life! Adventures, my boy! ADVENTURES!" ... "Yes, Grandfather, I understand all that. It's just, well, I'm scared! This life thing really scares me. I don't enought to survive!" ..... "Nonesense! YOU ARE A ROBIN! Robins survive. You must follow your instincts and do what is right. Follow your heart, your mind, your inner voice. Use what you have already learned to guide you down the path of discovery. As you discover, you learn. And you take what you learn to make yourself stronger...to make yourself a better bird! With your choices, you too will become a wise, great leader such as myself. Knowledge through discovery -- that's the key. That's how you live life!!" .... "Yes, perhaps you are right Grandfather. But, aren't there dangers? What about the dangers? How about all those things that want to kill us? We are just birds!!!" .... The Grandfather stared at his grandson in horror. "Just birds!?! We are the mighty ROBIN! We have survived longer then any creature that may be a danger! We have been around longer then any creature that you see before us! Just birds? YOU HAVE MUCH TO LEARN! That read breast you have is a symbol! It symbolizes knowledge! It symbolizes strength! It symbolizes greatness! We are a wise species! We are unstoppable! You should be PROUD to be a ROBIN," the old bird chirped. .... "That may be true, but what about cats? Cats are wise. They are strong," retorted the younger bird. "I don't want to end up lunch, Grandfather!" ... "Cats, smats. They may be at times clever, but Robin clever? Cats are really very dumb and can be outsmarted anytime. Cats are lazy! They are furry and stupid! For we, the wisest of all animals.........." The grandfather's words were cut short. On the limb sprang a most sly cat. The cat's pounce on the old bird looked effortless. The old bird was killed instantly and with much grace. With another jab from the cat's ferocious claws, the younger bird was caught and killed as well. "Ahhh...yum!!!! Robin is my favorite. Here you go, son. I nabbed this small one for you," he said to a kitten who joined him on the tree branch. "That's how you live life, son -- one good pounce and bird for lunch." .... "I see, " said the kitten. .... "You see, birds aren't very smart, but they make an excellent meal. Do you understand?" .... "Yes, I think I do, father." The little kitten paused for a second. "But, what about he danger of dogs?" ..... "DOGS!?! What about dogs? They're the dumbest of all animals! Son, they couldn't even catch a bird!" .... In the distance a dog began barking and it sounded hungry.

The End