NIGHTHAWK’S PARTY #1

(Nighthawk’s retirement party is taken from ‘Sullivan Sparrow and The Safe Tree’ stories)

Everything was ready! Nighthawk just arrived and was placed with Nighthawk Mrs. right in the center of the Limb of Mercy.

“Tick, tick, tick-tick-tick, tick, tick,” Woodpecker had started pecking a drumbeat as a signal to start the Party. Whippoorwill is singing, House Finch is singing through his nose, Warbler is in song with her, “Weesee, weesee,” and Sparrows are singing by holding the same notes for a long time. All the birds are singing and raising their wings and making flapping noises to match the music. Eagle is singing bass with a, “kak-kak-kak” while tapping his talons to Woodpecker’s beat.

Sullivan turns to another Sparrow and says, “Isn’t this a great Party? It’s about time for the speech. Quiet, everybody. Everybody, quiet, please. I want to introduce Eagle who will give the speech.”

“Thank You, Sparrow. This party is for Nighthawk. The fearless night flyer who keeps watch while the rest of us sleep. For seven years he has not missed his duty as Night Watchman. Many of us owe our very lives to him,” said Eagle to the great wing flapping and humming applause. “Night after night with expert ability he has kept watch over our Forest. Only a few times did he ever have to come and awaken me to deal with major problems. He is an excellent citizen of the Forest.” There is more applause and humming.

“Thanks Eagle. Now we want to give Nighthawk some gifts. Blackbird has woven a delicate ‘necklace of appreciation’ on behalf of all of us.” Blackbird flies over and places the necklace over Nighthawk’s head and on to his neck. “Your grand prize is a one month vacation at Upper Lake! We will bring you all your food and supplies. It’s for you and Nighthawk Mrs. You can relax, swim, and sit in the sun.” More applause and humming. Oriole yells, “Speech, speech.”

(‘Sullivan Sparrow and The Safe Tree Stories’ Ben Fike ©2003)

“We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.” Jesus