Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Charade (08/14/08)
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TITLE: The Feathered Samaritan | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donna Powers
08/16/08 -
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Went tumbling to the ground.
He knew his wing was broken.
He made this soulful sound:
“I only hope a peacock friend
Might be nearby this tree.
So many times they’ve visited
To talk of church to me.
“They’ve acted like bird angels
They’ve read me lovely words
So I can only pray they will
Prove to be faithful birds.”
That partridge was so glad to see
A strolling peacock, near.
So this poor partridge called to him
And said, “Come, help me, here!”
The peacock was excited:
It was a chance to show
How good and righteous he could be
And make sure all would know:
That he was oh, so faithful
As faithful as could be.
He preened and pranced and stood nearby
That partridge, near the tree.
“Oh, poor and broken partridge,
I’m here. Please cease to cry!
For we can now enroll you
In our healing class, then I
“Will have you sign this paper
So we at church will know
That you’ll give of your income
So that our flock can grow.
“You’ll see: our faith’s attractive.
As lovely as my tail
So c’mon, now, dear Partridge
Please stop that awful wail!”
“ Cruel peacock, I am hurting!
Your words don’t comfort me.
It’s not the time to talk of church
Some true help I must see.”
“Ungrateful bird! I offered you
The best of what I have.
Shall I soil my beloved tail
To cover you with salve?”
The peacock huffed and shook his tail
The partridge could but cry.
When, from the curb, a pigeon cooed
And asked if he might try
To ease the pain, or bring some help
Or just to humbly pray.
The partridge was astonished:
“Foul pigeon! Go away!
“We do not talk to pigeons
They’re filthy, drab and poor.”
The partridge only shook his head
And said, “Come here, kind sir.
“If you can help me mend my wing
Though you a pigeon be
I would be grateful evermore
If you’d do this for me.
“This peacock’s tail may be sublime
And he may act his part
But you have offered actions that
Show truly of your heart.”
The little pigeon hopped right up
First aid and prayers he shared:
A splinted wing and friendly smile
(While Mr. Peacock glared.)
When he was finished, he was glad
To see a Policebird near
“Sir Policebird,” called the pigeon
“Please come and help us, here.”
“Please help me get him to a vet.
He needs to get there soon.
If you would help me, I bet we
Could do it, before noon.
As those two took him on their wings
He thought of the two birds
Who’d come when he had fallen
And of their deeds and words.
He mused, “The peacock acted like
He had a heart of gold
Yet, it was that dear pigeon
Whose actions were so bold.
He didn’t care what would be said.
He came and did what’s right.
So, when all has been said and done
I see what’s true, tonight:
The measure of a bird is not
The way he acts his part.
I think that honor truly comes
When actions match the heart."
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