THE BIRD OF LIFE

This entirely fabricated story, written to fit the striking tapestry, has as its background a folktale from the Kafa Zone of Ethiopia. The priest shook his head. “It is not good to make captives of creatures that run wild. Kill them, if need be, for food. Train them, if they are willing, to serve us. But do not put birds in baskets or lions inside a zoo.” In a hushed voice, the visitor said, “The king does so.” “A king is a king. He has the right for he is a king upon earth. In the wilds of our mountains and river valleys, creatures should run free and fly free.The Lord will thank you for it.” Reluctantly, the visitor opened the wickerwork cage and let the bright- plumaged bird fly away. “That cost me money,” he said. The bird was more beautiful than any bird had ever been, so beautiful that no one dared go anywhere near it for fear of spoiling it. Lonely, the bird begged anyone, everyone to be her friend, but they made up excuses and lies and stayed watching the bird from far off away. She brought joy to their hearts, but they would not speak for they knew what would happen. Each time the bird heard a lie, one of its beautiful feathers changed into something drab or ugly. The only cure, she knew, was to find a man who spoke the truth. Only truth brought a full, pure life. So the bird lived in hope.

Then came a man who was new to that part of the world, a hunter and trapper. He caught the bird easily and held her inside his hard hands, wondering whether there was enough flesh there to make a meal. “Let me live,” said the bird, “and I will give you three Words of Wisdom. They will only be of use if you obey them.” Amused and surprised, the hunter agreed, holding her more softly. “The first Word is this – If you have something, keep it.” “Wisdom indeed!” laughed the man. “I know that already. Tell me the second.” “When the truth is lost, it is gone.” “I do not tell lies,” said the hunter. “I am proud to be an honest man. What is your third Word of Wisdom?” “That I can only tell you when you let me go.” He opened his hands and she flew out and up into the top branch of a balsam tree. All the people watching from a distance sighed for joy. Their

bird was safe. “Do you remember nothing? Already you have spoken an untruth.” The bird was sad.“I told you: If you have something, keep it. You had me in your power and you did not keep me there. So your claim to tell the truth is gone also.” The hunter was not pleased. “I have let you live, as you asked. You must tell me the third.” “The third Word of Wisdom is – Do not regret.” He went away, knowing that he had made a fool of himself. The bird watched him go, knowing that he was one more who did not speak truth. Another feather changed. One day, a man of truth would come. The priest smiled at his visitor and gave him a blessing. “Good advice comes free,” he added.