Valle's Zoo

"Just A Bird"

From time to time, people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a bird" or, "That's a lot of money for just a bird." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a bird."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a bird." Many hours have passed when my only company was "just a bird", but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a bird", and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a bird" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you too think it's "just a bird", then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a bird", brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a bird", brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a bird", I will rise early, and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a bird" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future; the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a bird" brings out what's good in me, and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a bird" but the thing that keeps me from being "just a human."

"So the next time you hear the phrase "just a bird." Just smile, because they......"just don't understand!"

Author unknown