Democratic Primaries

Atticus

(15,124 posts) Wed Mar 4, 2020, 03:28 PM Mar 2020

As the primaries heat up and trolls including Russians, Trump operatives and

other assorted nasties are competing for our attention on line, over the airwaves and in print, it seems like an appropriate time to repeat the story of the "Procrastinating Sparrow".

It was late September and all the sparrows were happily gorging themselves on autumn's bounty of seeds in the golden afternoon sunshine. There was much chatter about when they should head south, with the older birds counseling that they'd best be on their way. Their wisdom convinced all but one youngster who ridiculed their concern.

"It's a beautiful day and there is plenty to eat everywhere we look. Why should we fly anywhere else?"

"Winter will soon be here" explained one of the elders, "with ice and snow and cold you cannot imagine".

"Ok, so I'll fly south when it starts getting cold." responded the upstart. "Until then, I'll enjoy myself" and he laughed as all the others left him in the sunny meadow and headed south.

For two days he had his pick of the choicest seeds and berries and, as he enjoyed the feast, he often paused to marvel at the foolishness of his former companions.

But then, in late afternoon of what had been a glorious fall day, the wind suddenly shifted and heavy gray clouds approached from the north. As cold air rushed through the meadow the first raindrops began to splat on the tall grasses and "WINTER!" flashed across his small brain.

He took to the air immediately and sprinted southward as fast as he could. But, no matter how fast he flew, the cold and clouds were faster. The rain became mixed with sleet and then turned to snow. The water on his tiny wings began to freeze and he quickly found himself being pulled toward the snowy ground by their weight. As luck would have it, the icy sparrow skidded to a stop in a snow covered barnyard and, heart pounding, assessed his situation.

He could not move his wings, he was exhausted and would soon be covered with snow. He could see no other outcome but death. And, then, as if things were not bad enough, a cow ambled across the yard, stood over him and totally covered him in a fresh "meadow muffin".

At first, the sparrow panicked inside the mound of manure but then, he realized something: he was WARM! The ice was melting off his wings and he could move again! Overjoyed,he poked his head out of the poo pile and loudly chirped a song of celebration. His song was heard by the barnyard cat, who promptly dug him out and devoured him.

USEFUL LESSONS FOR POLITICIANS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS: 1.) Everyone who shits on you is not your enemy; 2.) Everyone who pulls you out of the shit is not your friend; and, 3.) If you are safe, warm and happy where you're at, keep your damn mouth shut!