Author’s note: Last year, when we shifted to our new house, a welcoming party of six Jungle Babblers came for a visit. This is the tale straight from the horse’s mouth.
I was sitting on that wire when I realised the window was open…finally! I was so excited to meet the new neighbours, so, I just hopped on the ledge. And what did I see? All asleep!
Lazy bones!
It was 6 o’clock. My bretheren and I had been awake for the past two hours already–had breakfast and a flight across the river…
These city people must understand this is not how things work in our countryside.
But you can’t really go around delivering sermons to new people…the best way is to welcome them and then, politely, show them how things are done.
So, I decided to begin our association by giving them a song of welcome–the best way to introduce them to the delights of the early morning country music. I began with my favourite: The Aeroplane. My bretheren joined me as well.
It came out so wonderfully refreshing that the woman woke up right away, jumping to the window where I sat. Her eyes were wide and looked at the street in bewilderment. I was amused. She must be wondering where all that energy came from.
Smiling, I introduced myself. She looked me with her jaw dropped open. A fan already!
Her daughter was stirring, roused by sound of music.
I decided to give them a special piece that the child would surely love: The Chainsaw. I started with the highest notes I could pick, followed by my bretheren.
The child stirred further and the mother said something–I couldn’t really hear her over our music. But she was flapping her wings. These humans have never really learnt to use their wings but I could see my music was making her wish she could fly. So I added more vigour, urging my brothers to give it their best.
Alas, humans are unpredictable like cloudy skies. You never know what they would do next. The woman swung a broom at me!
Now, I don’t want to hurt anyone’s sentiments. I would have accepted a rose but broom is certainly not my style. Firstly, they are too heavy. Secondly, so many twigs of the broom wouldn’t have fit into my nest.
I tried to continue singing but when the broom came too close, I decided it was time to say a rushed goodbye.
After that I tried a few more times of different occasions but with the same results. After the fifth time she offered the broom, I decided it was better to keep my distance.
I think I have hurt her feelings . But I really can’t go building another nest for every fan! What would my wife think?
Short Stories | Fish-eye Perspective 