Charlie Todd

10-29-13
2B


The Choice to Change

I got you, Jay! cheered Cardinal playfully as he and his bird friends noisily fluttered
about through the covert green meadow in a clearing in the forest. Dodo and Canary watched
and chanted as the other two playfully tackled each other in between feeble spasms of their
wings; at that time they were practically newborns who were unable to fly. They enjoyed their
youthful playtimes in their little meadow, but it was essential that they eventually learn how to
fly sufficiently. Alright guys, we should head back to Owl for our daily flying lessons. Even
you Dodo, said Cardinal, the natural leader of the four birds. Meh, replied an apathetic Dodo,
as he lazily and routinely slinked away from the group and into his private nest. There he spoke
aimlessly, in somewhat of a fuss, to the caterpillar with the bright green spots which Dodo had
adopted as a friend. Who needs flying? We can just live here in peace forever, right? As usual,
the caterpillar with the bright green spots replied with nothing. Dodo sighed. Meanwhile,
Cardinal, Canary, and Jay had returned to Owl and were diligently learning of the importance of
being able to fly, as it was vital in the everyday life and survival of birds. Dodo ditched again,
Owl, said Canary in that usual sassy and annoyed utterance. That one must change and start
actually trying to fly, preached Owl in his usual wise, thoughtful voice, as he dismissed the
birds into the serenity of the night. Days passed by in the aviary community, and soon it was
weeks. Dodo would continue with his nonchalant attitude towards flying, while the others had
almost perfected their skills. His friend, the little caterpillar with the bright green spots, had
deserted him at some point during this time. One morning everything would change. Get up,
Dodo! Quick! Jay shouted in a panic. Dodo was aroused by the distressed, piercing cries of the
other birds, and he soon found himself sprinting out of his prickly nest into the once peaceful
meadow. A large hawk had swooped into the clearing in the forest and was mercilessly pursuing
them. Not one of them would forget the look on Dodos terror-stricken face as the hawk
inevitably caught up to the helpless, flightless bird. He could only watch as Canary, Jay, and
Cardinal flew skillfully among the trees away from danger as he was strangled by the hawk. His
last vision was a familiar butterfly with bright green spots which had landed on a twig in front of
him. For even that simple creature, once Dodos partner in nonchalance and aerial
incompetence, had chosen to change and with that, skillfully and gracefully flew away into the
distance.