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49 Bird฀of฀Paradise The green bear was situated on a remote point of the globe. To the east was Tangiers, to the south was Marrakesh; north was Wales, and west was Aberdeen. No one could find him here. He was not on any proper map. He had mixed feelings. On the one hand he treasured his anonymity; on the other, he wanted to be found. It so happened that a bird of paradise flew by that very instant, inspiring the green bear to try out wings. But, like Icarus, the green bear flew too close to the sun; his wings melted, and he fell to earth. It was only a fortnight’s journey to the source of all oceans, so he sometimes walked, sometimes swam, in the desired direction. On his way he met the bird of paradise again. The bird perched on his shoulder, and said: “Sir, I know how you must feel—for I too am homeless, having lost my nominal homeland aeons ago. Now I go by the winds, by the aromas of forests, by the strength of cataracts. I can fly; but you, sir, can walk and lope and run. I admonish you: take up the flag of the fallen guidon, and advance manfully into the future.” Suddenly the bird had flown. Moved, the green bear felt his fears cascade from him like the waters. And wherever he stood, on dry land, he stood alone. 01.Poems.1-64_Fried.indd฀฀฀49 11/28/05฀฀฀12:33:20฀PM ...

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