Birds Of The Same Feather: 6-7

Chapter Six

The following day, Dignitas awoke to the sounds of multiple birds chirping, which was unusual for him since he had been living at the barn with mostly land animals. He arose from his slumber to find the bald eagle soaring high above the trees. Dignitas was amazed by his prestigious grace of flight. D.J. landed shortly to give Dignitas a happy morning greeting.

“Hey there young fella, did you sleep well, the landing eagle asked?”

“Yes sir, I did. It was the best rest I have ever gotten, Dignitas replied. There is just something out being here with you and being surrounded by all the chirping birds. There is just a sense of peacefulness, security and belonging here, Dignitas confessed.”

“Well, I am happy to hear you are well rested because you have got your work cut out for you son, the eagle remarked. But first thing first - eat your breakfast.”

After breakfast Digintas told the eagle the entire story of how he woke up in the badly charred forest, met the pigeons, left the pigeons, stumbled across the lions, met Cammille the cow and other farm animals, was saved by Pete when Vito and his gang tried to capture him, and finally explained in detail what each group of animals taught him.

“It sounds like you have had quite an adventure in these past few months, the eagle commented. I see you have even learned a great deal from everyone, you even know how to make shoes for your feet - the eagle pointed downward laughing. Son, do you want to know why your feet are so sensitive to the ground? It’s because you were born to fly, not walk. You are not a land animal son, D.J. explained to Dignitas.”

“But you walk all the time! This is the first time, besides yesterday that I have ever seen you fly, Dignitas replied to the old bald eagle.”

“I walk because I don’t fly, the eagle chuckled. I soar son, that is a huge difference! The forest is filled with trees and thick foliage all over the place. I have huge wings just like you, and I need open space to allow the wind beneath them. The forest is okay for the smaller birds, but you and I are majestic birds Dignitas. We do not fly – we soar son! That is the very reason you have not gotten your feet off the ground! Today we pack what we can and we are headed to my home in the old city of Phoenix, where my house is built high upon the mountain tops. Since you cannot fly, we have to take my private jet – D.J. explained.

“But I thought the forest was your home, Dignitas replied somewhat confused.”

“Oh no – this is where I come to play my music and get away from the nagging wife, the eagle replied.”

The colorful bird grabbed his satchel filled with his favorite treats. The old eagle packed up all his music equipment, and keyboards. He instructed the falcons to watch over his Grand Piano and not let the baby birds tear it up. The two boarded the nicely sized luxury jet and took off. When they arrived, Phoenix immediately felt like home to Dignitas. It was a huge, glorious land that was covered with solid rock and majestic mountains. With the coming of the new earth, the once dry and barren lands had now become the facet of quintessential beauty. Arizona now flowed abundantly with fresh water streams, huge lakes and beautiful rivers. Plush carpeting of grass and foliage covered most of the land and produced a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains. Although the land was still graced with an abundance of sunlight, it had cooled off significantly and no longer bore extreme heat temperatures. Arizona had become a paradise!

Days and weeks went by as the wise eagle taught Dignitas brand new and exciting things. He taught the colorful fowl how to be fully independent and use all of his skills for survival. He taught him how to track and how to be observant of the land as well as the conduct of the animals. He taught him how to watch the skies for storms or human presence. Because whenever the humans came their space ships often polluted the air and caused red streaks in the sky, which was a tell-tale sign of them visiting to dump their garbage. He taught him welding, automotive, carpentry, and all electronic programming. He taught him about herbal medicines and how to heal himself and the other animals, although on the new earth it was rare for someone to become sick. He taught him how to build structures and solar panels. Lastly, he taught him the fun stuff – how to fly the jet and play his piano. As it turned out, Dignitas was quite fond of music. He immediately developed a passion for it and enjoyed writing song lyrics to many of the old bald eagle piano instrumentals.

One day Dignitas searched to find the bald eagle and discovered he was in a low grassy field centered between two huge mountains. He was building something out of paper, sticks and string. Dignitas scurried quickly down the mountain side as his curiosity was getting the best of him.

“You found me quicker than I expected, teased the bald eagle.”

Dignitas didn’t immediately reply. His eyes were fixed upon the object that the bald eagle was fiddling with, and didn’t respond until D.J. looked up at him. “What are you making, he asked?”

The eagle looked over the top of his glasses as usual and gave Dignitas a warm smile. “This here son is a kite.”

“A kite? What does it do – Dignitas questioned?”

“It does what you cannot do - D.J. continuously teased the colorful fowl.”

“Huh – Dignitas asked confusingly?”

“Just watch, the eagle instructed.”

It was a breezy fall day in Phoenix and the wind roughly swooped down low between the two large mountains. D.J. finished at tying the last string and checked the kite once over for sturdiness. He lifted the huge kite from the ground and ran a short distance with it. As soon as the wind blew in again, he released the kite from his wings (hands) and let the forceful breeze take it. The more string D.J. gave it, the higher it climbed. Dignitas watched silently in total awe as his eyes lit up from the flying wonder.

There, high in the sky, between the majestic two mountains flew a paper bird that totally resembled him! It had the wind beneath its wings and it was soaring. Dignitas eyes grew brighter and brighter with excitement. The eagle even showed off his amazing skills by making the kite maneuver low to the ground and then again soaring to great lengths.

D.J. passed the kite to Dignitas. “Here son, you take it. Whatever you do, keep the wind beneath its wings and never let it lose flight.”

Dignitas happily took the kite and stayed in the field for the rest of the day until he was called in by the old eagle for dinner. D.J. looked off in a distance only to find that Dignitas had tied the kite to a rock and it was in fact still soaring. Dignitas looked back at the kite once more before going into the house. He was pleased about what he had learned that day.

The following day Dignitas was pumped with excitement. He got up extra early, cooked breakfast for everyone and completed all of his daily chores quickly. Once again, he searched for the great bald eagle, but this time found him standing on the highest point of the mountain, surrounded by his pigeon brother Pete and the two ostriches.

“What’s wrong D.J. – why is everyone here, Dignitas asked with a bit of fear from seeing everyone present?”

“Nothing is wrong son, D.J. replied. We are all here today to support and bear witness to something great – You!”

A cool breeze overtook the mountain top and Dignitas found himself overwhelmed with mixed emotions of fear, happiness and excitement. He walked to the mountains edge, closed his eyes and spread his wings as far as he could stretch them. He took in a very deep breath and let the crisp air fill his lungs. He stuck his massive chest out, opened his eyes, quickly leaped off the mountain and took flight. The eagle watched him soar in amazement as a tear filled one eye. The song “Amazing” by Les Paul Roque was then heard throughout the land.

“He’s a natural! The boy is a natural, the old eagle whispered to himself as he stood proud and watched on.”

The two ostriches then took flight and joined Dignitas. They all took turns whirling thru the air, dipping low to the ground, and then resurfacing, soaring at even greater speed and altitude. Everyone seemed happy for Dignitas for he had just accomplished one of his life most difficult challenges. Yet with Pete – it was a different story! You could see the look of sour jealously smeared all across the pigeon face.

“Ok, ok fellas! That’s enough for today. We don’t wanna over-do it. Come on in Dignitas, I don’t want your wings to grow tired on you. Fellas, show Dignitas how to come in for a soft landing, the eagle yelled to the two ostriches.”

The ostrich signaled to Dignitas to land. One stayed in the front of him, while the other stayed closely behind. Both guided Dignitas in every step of the way as the eagle signaled from the mountain top.

“Keep your chin up son. Bring those wings in, the closer you get to the ground, D.J. instructed.”

Dignitas came in with a perfect landing. His smile beamed brightly from achievement. “Did you see me? I was flying dad – the colorful fowl asked with exuberance?”

“No son, you weren’t flying – you soared, and with much skill and grace I must say. How was it son? How did you like it, the bald eagle asked?”

Dignitas ruffled his feathers until they stood on end. “I loved it! It felt great! I felt as if I could see the whole world from the sky. I saw the beautiful forest and the majestic mountains. I was so close to the sun. I even saw some of the land animals and they looked like little tiny toys sitting in the fields. I was soaring thru the skies high to the highest and it felt remarkable! Can I do it again D.J. – please dad, Dignitas begged?”

The bald eagle looked at the two ostriches, as if asking if they were up for another flight. They both nodded in agreement. “Ok son, you can soar for a little while longer, but this time no fancy dipping low to the ground, you little show off.” The eagle bit the side of his beak (lip) as his mind recollected – did he just call me dad twice, the proud eagle questioned out loud to himself?

Dignitas ran to the mountain edge, took a deep breath, spread his wings and quickly took off again as the two ostriches followed closely behind him. As he soared a huge shadow soared above him, but Dignitas was so focused and excited that he never bothered to pay any attention to it. The two ostriches however noticed the enormous shadow and flew back to the mountain top. When they landed, the bald eagle took flight and soared alongside Dignitas as the huge shadow continued to hover above. Pete was totally speechless as he kept that sour frown upon his face. About an hour later, Dignitas poor wings eventually grew tired on him and he quickly returned to the mountain top. The huge shadow that continued to hover above followed him. When he made his safe landing, it immediately disappeared. The bald eagle landed as well as he looked deep into the skies with a huge smile lined across his face.

Dignitas let his wings flop to the ground. “Oh my, I didn’t know flying took so much energy - I am beat the colorful bird said exhaustingly.”

The old eagle gave a huge chuckle. “I tried to warn you son, but you kept asking for it, so I let you have it. That aint nothing, wait until you get up in the morning, you’re gonna be sore from the tip of your shoulder all the way down to your longest feather, the eagle teased Dignitas as he chuckled once more.”

Now that Dignitas had learned to fly, everything in his life became much easier. Finding food was a cinch, he finished his chores more quickly, he was able to travel the lands faster by air as opposed to by foot. Over time, Dignitas naturally started watching over all the other animals. He became their eye in the sky, warning them of unseen dangers, storms coming or more fertile land that had more resources that they needed. All of his information was very viable to both the land and air animals. Because of his caring and concern which made their lives easier, they became more caring, loving and supportive of each other.

One day as Dignitas was soaring high, he decided he would fly past the old forest in which he emerged from as a baby bird. As he looked down upon the forest which had begun to renew itself and remarkably recover from the fire, he spotted his old pigeon family. So much was going on in his life now, that he had almost forgotten about them. He became excited by the thought of seeing his pigeon Paige mother and swooped down to say hello. As he landed, it became evident that they were still in the exact same field where Dignitas first met them. The little baby birds had all grown up, yet they remembered Dignitas vividly.

“Mother, mother, they yelled and screamed in a feathery frenzy. Look mother, it’s Dignitas they pointed, as the mother pigeon looked down from the huge nesting tree at her children.”

The mother pigeon looked in the sky where the other birds were pointing as she saw the once baby bird she had raised soaring with confidence. He landed among his pigeon siblings and found himself being bombarded with hugs and kisses. The mother pigeon came down from the nest.

“Oh my – look how much you have grown, and you can fly! Oh my darling, I have missed you so much.” The mother pigeon outstretched her wings as Dignitas kneeled low to kiss her. The song “Bright Shiny Angel” by Les Paul Roque is heard throughout the lands.

Dignitas nuzzled his pigeon mother deeply and once again found himself overwhelmed with emotions. “I miss you too mother, he whispered softly in her ear. There hasn’t been a day that I didn’t think of you.”

The mother pigeon showered Dignitas with more hugs and kisses before finally letting him go. The bluebird tells me that Pete has been with you the whole time - is that true, the mother pigeon asked Dignitas with a smile?”

“Yes mother, he has been with me all the time. However, he did not accompany me today. I came here alone, Dignitas responded smiling and soft spoken, still happy to see his pigeon mother.”

But Dignitas was mistaken! Off in a distance, perched high on a thick branch sat Pete, watching Dignitas with a still bitter look on his face. And way off in a distance, in another tree that stood taller than many trees in the forest was Vito the vulture and three of his buddies with their eyes glued on Pete!

“In due time my friend – In due time.” Vito murmured to himself as he flew off angrily.

Dignitas stayed for a while longer with his pigeon family, as he and his pigeon mother Paige played catch up. “You know mother, Dignitas started, there is a huge field not far from here that’s filled with fresh fruits, vegetables and grain. It has a ton of trees surrounding it to build nests in, and it has a sparkling spring that runs through it. It’s the perfect place for you and my brothers and sisters. I know you will love it there. It’s not far from the barn and the other animals, and it’s convenient just like this place here.”

The mother pigeon gave a long sigh. “I know about the field sweetheart. I have known about it for quite a while now. The problem is, we will have to tend to the land once we start eating from it. We would have to start cultivating, farming and harvesting, learn new things and do all sorts of manual labor. We pigeons do not possess those skills. It’s much simpler and easier to stay here. We have been here for so long, that it’s senseless to leave now. All of our food gets blown in from the landfill or gets dropped here by accident by the humans on their way to the landfill. All we have to do is pick thru it and eat. What we don’t want simply blows away and we don’t have to worry about cleaning up, our lives couldn’t be any easier, the mother pigeon explained.”

“But mother, you and the other pigeons can learn to farm as I did. It’s easier than you think mother. How can you say no, when you haven’t even tried yet? Pete can teach you and the others as he has taught me, and I will be right by your side every step of the way. The land animals are very nice and caring, they too can teach all of you mother. Just give it a try – Dignitas pleaded.”

The mother pigeon gave Dignitas a warm smile as she reached up and touched him lovingly on the face. “I know you mean well sweetheart, but learning how to do those things will take a great deal of time and effort. I be so busy looking after the other pigeons, and so tired from chasing them around all day that I just don’t have the time or strength. I can’t count on your siblings to watch over the flock and a lot of the burdens fall upon me, so it’s just best if we stay here. It’s easier for everyone involved. We pigeons hardly need or want anything. It would be foolish to leave here when all we need has been given to us. It’s best we stay here, the mother pigeon explained to Dignitas.”

“But mother, don’t you want more? Don’t the other pigeons want or deserve more? Have you ever asked them what it is they want? Have you ever given them the option to leave mother? Aren’t you tired of living here, close to the landfill among filth? Its garbage mother, it’s not healthy for you or any of the other pigeons to eat – Dignitas pleaded once again!”

Dignitas turned to his pigeon brothers and sisters. “Do any of you want to leave this place and go somewhere different? Somewhere nicer and cleaner? A place where you can get fresh food and drink clean water? A place where you don’t have to inhale the smell of garbage – Dignitas questioned somewhat angrily?”

The pigeons seemed to all reply all at once. “Oh no, I saw that field, it’s too huge – one said.”

“I have never tasted fruit, so I don’t like it – another said.”

“I don’t like vegetables, especially the green ones said a third pigeon.”

“I don’t drink water anyway – I prefer the soda left over in the cans – its much sweeter than fresh water, a fourth added.”

“Yeah – the human food is the best food for me. I love their leftovers, especially the burgers said a fifth.”

“I refuse to farm any land. I wasn’t born to do manual labor, the first pigeon chimed back in.”

“Yeah – that doesn’t make sense to do all that physical work just to eat, when we can just wait for it to blow in here, the second pigeon agreed.”

“See Dignitas – it’s easier for all of us to simply stay here, the mother pigeon confirmed in agreement.”

Dignitas heart sank with disappointment. He looked at all the smiling cheerful faces of his mother and pigeon siblings. They were truly content on their living arrangements. Dignitas had accomplished so much in so short of time and wanted his pigeon family to experience the great joy he felt when he learned how to soar. Yet Dignitas sadly accepted the fact his pigeon family was comfortable with what little they had, so he did not persist with the issue any further. He now understood what everyone meant when they told him he didn’t have any pigeon in him. Not because he didn’t look like them, but because he stood for much more than them, and that realization broke his heart.

“Okay – I understand mother. I must leave now. My dad will be missing me soon, as I have been away for very long hours, and I have a long flight home. I love you mother and I will always love all of you. He leaned in low, stretched out his huge, massive wings and wrapped all of them up in a tight group hug. He released them all, but held tightly onto his pigeon mother and gave her an extra long hug and cheek kiss, “I will always love you mother, he whispered in her ear” - slowly backed away, and took flight.

{The End - Chapter Six}

Chapter Seven

“Come Dignitas, D.J. instructed. Your wings are now strong enough to soar for great lengths of time and your maneuvering skills are superb. Let me show you the lands in which your pigeon family came from.”

"Ok dad, let me grab my satchel to collect souvenirs, Dignitas replied.”

“Son – what’s with you and that darn man purse? I swear, you are worse than a woman with that thing! What’s next – belly piercings and stilettos, the eagle laughed hysterically?”

Deep down the old eagle felt overjoyed with pride because he knew he was responsible for the young fowl enormous progress. He was also overcome with emotion because Dignitas had naturally started calling him dad.

“No, dad – my satchel is convenient. It’s not like I wear pants and have pockets. I need something to carry all my things in, Dignitas remarked.”

“Fine, bring your purse! At least you got rid of those funny looking bird shoes! For crying out loud, can you hurry it up son – the old eagle constantly teased.”

Dignitas ran to get his satchel, emptied all the contents onto his bed and sprinted quickly back to the edge of the mountain top. “Ok, I’m ready to go now dad – he told the eagle.”

“Good!” The old eagle secured his glasses tightly to his face with some goggle straps, spread his huge wings and took off.

“Hey – wait for me, Dignitas yelled out!” He threw his satchel around his neck and secured the pouch firmly under his wing. Ruffled his feathers a bit, closed his eyes and gently whispered – “big shadow that never lands, please watch over me.” He opened his eyes, spread his enormously majestic wings and took flight. It didn’t take long for him to catch up with D.J. the old eagle.

“Really dad - it’s been quite some minutes since you took off and this is how far you’ve gotten, Dignitas taunted the old bird!”

“Hush boy – I can’t hear the lady on the navigator!” Then the Garmin Navigator spoke again: “In three quarters of a mile – turn left at the huge cloud….”

“Okay son, we are almost there. Get ready for landing.” The eagle made a sharp left turn and began his downward descend. Dignitas followed quickly behind him. They landed in a great open field that was near a large body of water and surrounded by tall abandoned buildings with huge glass windows.

The now tired eagle wiped a few beads of sweat from his forehead and shivered. “Whew – nothing has changed about this place, it’s still unbearably cold and windy! It’s amazing how the pigeons survived here for all those years. D.J. pointed his index finger in the air. Wait – I just remembered, their survival was made easy due to them heavily relying on humans to feed them as they stayed sheltered atop of those very high buildings.”

“Dignitas scratched his head. “Huh – I don’t get it dad?”

Meanwhile…… Vito the vulture was back at home with his other vulture buddies building an oil drilling rig.

“Hey Vito, I still don’t get it! Explain to me again - why are we about to drill a deep hole in a mountain in the middle of a desert? There aint no oil down there! Aint nothing down there but solid rock and cactus – a loyal vulture commented.”

“Shut your trap and do like I tell ya. You don’t need to know details – just do as you are told, Vito rudely replied. I got big plans. Plans that will give me the cozy life style I deserve!”

Another vulture whom was driving a bulldozer overhead the conversation, stopped what he was doing, climbed out and walked over to a vulture who was using a jack hammer to break up rock.

“Hey buddie, did you hear that? Vito says he got plans to live a comfy lifestyle. I wonder if we are included in those plans? After all – we are the ones putting in all the hard work around here to make his dreams a reality, the bulldozer driving vulture instigated.”

The vulture with the jack hammer took off his helmet. “Did I hear? I’ve been listening for months! He’s been planning this since the night we tried to capture the big, bright bird and was defeated. From what I hear, he’s moving to some tropical paradise with real electricity, air conditioning and freezers to keep everything he kills fresh and frozen. I heard he has even made some type of deal with the humans. So no, I don’t think we are in his plans - just the peachy little peacock tramp that sleeps around. But hey what can we do, the vulture with the jack hammer replied.”

Getting back to Dignitas and the bald eagle…..

“This here son is what they use to call Chicago, the windy city. That body of water is Lake Michigan. It was smaller than it is now, until the great storms came. When the storms came, it broke all the dams, levies, and retaining walls in the entire state as well as this one city. These tall buildings are called sky scrapers. Some are where the humans use to live and they called them condominiums, while they worked in many of the others. Only the wealthiest of the humans could afford to live in the condominiums, while the poor lived in low class, cheaply constructed homes in economically poor neighborhoods that were infested with all sorts of crime. Unfortunately, when the great storms came, the human homes by the lake became a death trap and they all perished with the floods – the bald eagle explained to Dignitas.

“Oh Dad – that is so sad. Why did they build them so tall and near the water, knowing that someday they may be swept away, Dignitas asked?”

“Well son, they didn’t know. Many of them were so busy and possessed such huge egos that they never thought such a tragedy could happen to them. But never be sad for the human son, they thought nothing of us animals when they paved roads and built their homes straight thru our forests, and only left us with patches of land. They took our homes from us and whenever we accidentally strolled thru their neighborhoods, they killed us! They built their homes high in the sky because they thought they were Gods and wanted to get next to the one true God. As the human egos got bigger, they turned more selfish towards one another, many in power acquired enormous wealth, as the poor suffered and over populated the earth. The humans simply ran out of room to habitat the earth, so natural things occurred to punish them for their foolishness, selfishness and hatred for one another – the eagle angrily explained to Dignitas. This is why we animals of the New Earth practice and enforce everything that is symbolic of love for each other. We must always protect, share, love and take care of each other Dignitas, the eagle finished.”

“So if they constantly killed off the animals that trampled in their neighborhoods, then how is it that the pigeons maintained and survived for so long – Dignitas questioned?” My pigeon mother and Pete told stories of how the humans would hand feed them and never bothered them before the storms came. They said they were like pets to them.”

“You are truly sharp my son. I was waiting for you to ask me that question, the eagle smiled as he peered over his glasses at Dignitas. You see son, the eagle began – birds were the only animals that could survive in the wild of the city life or anywhere else in the world. Birds have never been a threat to humans. Not only that, we have keen eyesight. We can spot food as well as danger from high above. We can see storms forming and know where safety is. Because we are blessed with the gift of flight, we can see, hear, watch and escape everything going on from great distances and go unnoticed until we decide to make our presence known, the eagle proudly explained to the curious fowl.”

“But my son, although we were not a threat to the humans, they became a threat to us. All over the lands they harvested, canned, refrigerated and sold our best sources of food. Our food supplies quickly became limited and then inadequate for us to survive, so we migrated to higher grounds and distant lands. The only source of food that the humans left behind was what they wasted and they threw away, as they called it garbage. The larger, most majestic birds live with pride and dignity. We refused to eat their garbage or anything else of such low value and nutrition. Not to mention it made us sick and kept giving us diarrhea and all other forms of indigestion. Alka-seltzer and Pepto-bismal did not help! Because of our unwillingness to not eat their filth we had to struggle harder than the others to survive. We had to make great sacrifices and travel to many distant lands in order to survive.

We had to endure extreme heat as well as the cold son. When we found good land that was not too far from our food source we settled there and build our nests high upon the rocks where we knew no human was brave enough to come. Soon after we settled in, the other birds and land animals came and settled with us. But the pigeons were lazy! They stayed behind and accepted whatever they could savage from the human trash. They did not want to deal with the burdens of striving every day to maintain the best for themselves or their families, so they ate the human garbage gladly. It wasn’t long before they began to reproduce like crazy and they soon infested the cities with their offspring. The pigeons nested very close to the poorest of humans because they were the ones that wasted the most. There was always an adequate supply of garbage on hand for them to rummage thru. The humans got so use to seeing the pigeons picking thru the garbage for food that they began to feed them off the ground like chickens and simply treated the pigeons like pets they didn’t keep in the home. The pigeons got very comfortable with the humans and liked the ease of being provided for. They loved the fact that they didn’t have to work or struggle to survive. Everything they needed was provided to them for free. As the years went on, the pigeons became nonconformists and have never evolved. Right now, until this very day they refuse to acquire skills for survival and choose to accept less. Haven’t you noticed son that the pigeons do nothing but eat, nest and lay eggs? Haven’t you noticed that all they do is take shelter in huge trees near big fields where there is garbage always blowing in? It’s because they are lazy son. They are always waiting for “the free meal”. The humans live on other planets, yet still come to the earth to dispose of their garbage. Garbage that blows in from the landfills! Garbage that the pigeons pick thru and happily eat! The only reason why I allow you to still mingle with Pete is because he is the only pigeon that has slightly evolved. He taught you how to hunt and feed yourself when you were hungry. I can see in his eyes that he is a rebel and wants more, and refuses to settle for less, all he needs is proper guidance. The others are unworthy of being in your presence Dignitas, they are just as the garbage they eat - they are of low standard! I understand you love your pigeon mother Paige, but she is the reason for the other pigeons laziness and unwillingness to change for the better. It is she that refuses to evolve Dignitas. Every pigeon in her flock follows her footsteps, as she practices ignorance and idleness and sets a poor example for her children. The mother pigeon has never even mumbled the slightest word of encouragement to her flock! And that is why no other animal, especially the birds, mingle closely with any pigeon. We do not want their laziness and unwillingness to learn or evolve to negatively affect us or our children. We do not make excuses Dignitas – we make plans and fully execute them! The only thing the pigeons are good for is keeping our grassy fields clean of garbage – because they eat it!”

The eagle finished his speech, as Dignitas stood silent and appeared to be a little sad. Not because of what the wise eagle spoke, but because it was the truth! A truth that could not be disputed towards his pigeon family, whom he loved very much.

“I understand everything you are saying dad. You are absolutely right. That may be the very reason I always felt out of place the entire time I was living there with them, Dignitas responded with teary filled eyes, as he turned his back away from the eagle in shame.”

D.J. – the bald eagle for the very first time ever, fluffed his feathers and stuck out his chest as he held his head up proud. He turned to Dignitas, took his chin and raised his head high. “Birds of the same feather flock together. We have no place among the pigeons son. We are majestic! We soar high! We have legs, but we are not ground dwellers! We do not nest low, nor do we eat filth from the ground that others leave behind! We live of higher standards, and don’t you ever forget that son. You never feel ashamed for the decisions others make for their own lives. They are responsible for themselves! You take responsibility for YOU – the eagle spoke with authority!”

Dignitas smiled as his feathers ruffled with pride and he stood before his mentor whom he had been calling Dad, with his head held high. He was finally pleased to be learning who he was. He was even more happy to know his dad had so much pride, dignity and integrity. Two traits that would obviously be reflected in Dignitas in the years to come.

“Now come, follow me son – I have something to show you! Lets say we have a little fun before we go home, the eagle smiled as he eagerly took off in flight.”

Dignitas curiously took off after him. Below was a winding paved road that led to a four mile stretch of straight road. They both landed.

“This here son is what the humans called an expressway, at least what’s left of one anyhow – the eagle chuckled. This is what they used to get around very quickly from city to city, state to state in their so called fancy and fast automobiles, D.J. explained.”

“What’s an automobile, Dignitas curiously asked the old eagle?”

“Those are automobiles right there, D.J. pointed! They used them for land travel when they were too cheap to fly in their bird sucking airplanes, that kept falling out the sky – the eagle explained jokingly.”

The eagle eyes lit up brightly as he pointed to a black Jaguar and a white Mercedes Benz. “It took me forever to get these things back running. Do you know I had to fly on the other side of the world to find parts! Got dang foreign cars - I must have flown past a million Fords and Chevys! The keys are inside the ignitions, pick a car son - lets race – the eagle said excitingly.”

Dignitas laughed loudly. “Dad are you kidding me? It took me forever to learn how to fly. I don’t know how to operate neither one of these things! I can’t dad, Dignitas continued to laugh nervously.”

The bald eagle walked over to Dignitas and gave him a gentle fatherly smack upside the back of his head. “What did I tell you months ago? The word can’t is not a word we use around here. Together we can and we will. I didn’t know how to drive either, I just learned a few days ago when I put the batteries in! Now – shake a tail feather and hop in the Mercedes, I will take the Jaguar!” Dignitas rubbed the back of his head and did as he was told. The eagle looked over at him and chuckled softly.

“Boy – I tell ya, if it wasn’t for you just being born on the New Earth, I would definitely call you slow, but now I don’t feel so bad about having to teach you! Look son, watch me! You open up the doors like this, and get in on the side with the round thing, that’s called a steering wheel. That is what you will use to control the car, the bald eagle explained.”

“Oh – okay! I got it, Dignitas giggled as he slid over to the driver side of the car.”

D.J blew the Jaguar horn loudly to get Dignitas attention. “Now son, I want you to put your foot down on one of them long pedal things and push that start button. I can’t remember which pedal it was, but keep trying it until the car starts. But whatever you do …….” The eagle didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence! Dignitas had started the car, put it in gear and accidentally hit the gas! The Mercedes shot off like a rocket!

“Got dang it – the eagle yelled out!” He quickly started the Jaguar and took off after Dignitas. He managed to catch up and pulled alongside Dignitas. “Slow down son and listen carefully, you gotta get use to driving these things first. The steering wheel controls right and left turns, as well as keeping the car straight. The left pedal slows the car down or makes it stop. The right pedal makes the car go faster. That’s the one you want to take your big bird foot off son …. QUICK!”

“I’m good, I got it now dad – Dignitas yelled back as he slowed the car down and grinned over at his father devilishly with one eyebrow raised, showing all of his front teeth. Are you ready to race now dad? On your mark, get ready, get set……”

Before Dignitas could say go, the bald eagle stomped the gas, swerved the Jaguar in front of Dignitas and burned rubber as he pulled off! Dignitas choked as he fanned the black smoke from the tires. All you could hear was the Jaguar tires squealing and the engine roaring, as the smoke cleared the air. The eagle had taken a mile lead and all you could see was the tail lights! Dignitas hit the gas and peeled off behind him. The cat and mouse race was officially on and Dignitas was loving it. Dignitas turned on the c.d. player in the Benz and shifted gears hard as he listened to M.O.N.E.Y. by Grindin Pun. He began to bob his head to the music as he put his foot down even harder on the gas and caught up to his dad. He pulled up on the side of the eagle and yelled….

“How’s it going dad – Dignitas laughed as he saluted the eagle?”

“Great son! It doesn’t get any better than this!” The bald eagle winked at Dignitas, hit the gas and left the colorful fowl once again in a cloud of smoke!”

Dignitas smiled and gradually reduced his speed slow enough just to stay behind his dad. It made him happy to see his dad having fun, and even happier to be sharing in the fun with him. Dignitas continued to bob his head to the Grindin Pun c.d. Suddenly a huge shadow flew overhead. D.J the bald eagle noticed it and brought his Jaguar to a complete stop.

“It’s time for us to be heading back home son. It’s getting kinda late and you haven’t eaten at all today.” The eagle nervously got out the Jaguar as his eyes searched the sky. He set the GPS to home as it spoke its first instruction. “Please fly to the highlighted route.”

Dignitas and D.J. made it home quicker than they expected. As they landed, they found D.J. wife crushed beneath a huge boulder. She was totally flattened! Dignitas quickly ran to her and pushed with all his might, but the boulder didn’t budge. The bald eagle let a single tear fall as he retrieved his cane and limped slowly inside the cave house. He took a seat on the sofa and exhaled a deep sigh.

“Come on in the house son, there is no use in trying to move that thing, she’s gone – he spoke sadly, in a low, tired voice. I knew it was only a matter of time before she got to her. Where does that woman get her strength, the eagle questioned himself out loud as he shook his head in disbelief.”

“She? Who is she, Dignitas asked confusingly?”

“She! Sharona – Is your evil mother – the bald eagle yelled as he waved one hand in a fed up type of way.”

Dignitas flopped on the sofa near his dad. “What did you say dad, Dignitas asked with a tremor in his voice?”

“You heard me son - that rock dropping, high flying, overhead, shadow casting, acid rain making fowl is your evil mother. She’s been tormenting me for the last twenty-five years. I swear if you could bottle up jealousy and sell it, your mother would be filthy rich, the bald eagle continued to yell.”

“D.J. – darling I heard that! How could you speak so negatively of me in front of my son? You should be ashamed of yourself!” Sharona appeared from out of the kitchen with a devilish grin on her face, as she carried a huge platter of food and placed it on the dinner table. “I really like what you and your little deceased mistress did with the place. The walls could use a new color of paint and the kitchen needs a good scrubbing, other than that – this place is just as I left it, Sharona sarcastically teased the bald eagle as she crossed her arms in authority!”

Dignitas was frozen beyond amazement! There before him stood this beautiful, massive bird that was much bigger than him, yet was the identical twin of him in female form! In her ears she wore the most brightest and flawless of diamond hoop earrings. Upon her fingers were rings of the finest jewels. Her beautiful crown held more feathers that stood taller than his. Her breast feathers were thicker and darker, but she was the splitting image of him. She was just magnificent in every feature, and no words could describe her beauty. He trembled nervously, but as she smiled at him, a soothing calmness came over him and he immediately became relaxed.

Sharona walked over to the sofa where her son sat, as she gave the eagle foot a gentle kick, as she nodded her head sideways demanding that he move. The grieving eagle mumbled a bit and complied with her demands. She sat down near Dignitas, raised her hand and began to stoke his crown. Dignitas leaned in close to her and nuzzled his head deep within her breasts. He then threw his arms around her as he softly cried.

Sharona leaned into her son and hugged him ever so tightly as she kissed him tenderly near his crown. “Ssssh, my little one, it’s okay now. Your search is now over. I am here my dear son, she consoled him as she continued to shower him with kisses upon his forehead near his crown. I ran you a nice bath. Go get washed up, I have prepared you a special dinner.”

Dignitas wiped the tears from his eyes and did as his mother instructed. When Sharona heard the bathroom door close, she turned to the bald eagle, pointed her finger and shook it at him.

“After my baby eats and goes to bed, you and I are going to have a nice little chit-chat. You almost let him fall to his death – you old coot! I saw you pluck his tail feather at that baseball game! Don’t put your hands on him no more, Sharona warned the eagle.”

“Really - Sharona? Really? For crying out loud woman, give it a rest! Wasn’t Heidi enough – the eagle responded with discontent?”

Sharona stood up and snatched the cane clean from the bald eagles grasp and began to twirl it as if it were a baton. “D.J. what are you talking about old bird? I have been over you marrying that old hen for years! And if you think it was me that crushed the old buzzard, you are sadly mistaken. I was in flight, looked down and saw her that way. I flew on down to get a closer look and sure enough she was dead. I mean what did you want me to do – break a wing by trying to push that heavy boulder off of her? That rock kinda did me a favor, Sharona chuckled as she flopped back on the couch and made a kissy face at the old eagle.”

“You’re lying – D.J. squawked!”

“That’s the story – and I’m sticking to it! Sharona smiled as she patted the eagle on the knee and passed him back his cane. Are you hungry dear, I made a great dinner and dessert?”

“Stop messing with me woman – you know I am starving, but I will have to skip on the dessert. My sugar levels will hit the roof. You know Sharona, it’s kinda disturbing how you just let yourself in and made me and the boy dinner AFTER my wife has been mysteriously crushed to death. Are you sure you didn’t have anything to do with that? You are just too relaxed at the moment my dear, the old eagle questioned.”

“Oh – I forgot about your sugar levels. It’s been so long, you must forgive me. We really need to bring in a human and get Dignitas tested, he’s been having dizzy spells and fainting you know! The only thing that seems to keep him on his toes and wide awake it that cows sweet ice cream, Sharona remarked.” She never bothered to respond to D.J’s last question about his wife! She was done with the subject and rudely moved on to other conversations.

Dignitas came from out of the bathroom filled with excitement to get back to his mother. He was no longer crying and had cheered up quite a bit. He wasn’t quite dry and his feathers were all fluffy. D.J and Sharona were already sitting at the dinner table. Everyone’s plate was prepared, they were just waiting on Dignitas. Sharona asked them to bow their heads as she gave thanks for she and her son reuniting.

Sharona began to speak. “Dignitas my son, as you will come to know, your mother is very direct and outspoken. I have a tendency to get straight to the point. My darling contrary to what you may have been told, I did not abandon you at birth. My nest right along with you got swept up in the violent winds caused by one of the great storms. The forest fires and smoke were so heavy, yet I searched continuously for you, but could not find you. The following morning, I searched again only to find you had hatched and bravely set out on your own. It was breath taking to see you newly born and possess such an adventurous, independent spirit – so I let you be. With each passing day I watched over you and the other animals from the sky. Every living land and sky animal suspected you belonged to me, so I never really worried about you being cared for - yet I never knew in a thousand years you would find this old rooster and his nagging hen!”

Dignitas turned and looked at D.J. “Dad, I thought you were a bald eagle?”

“Dad? He calls you dad? Hmph – Sharona questioned with a smirk upon her face.”

“I am an eagle, your mother is being sarcastic as always! And I really wish folks would stop pointing out the fact I am bald! All bald eagles …. are bald, it’s not just me, D.J. replied with a bit of anger in his voice.”

“Oh settle down you grumpy old bird. You always have to find something to squawk about. Sharona reached over and stroked her sons glorious crown once more. Don’t worry little one, you are a special bird, going bald is something you never have to worry about – Sharona teased as she glanced over at the top of D.J. head.”

The eagle noticed her looking at him and got fed up with the sarcasm and teasing. “That’s it – I have had enough! From now on I am wearing a baseball cap!”

“Oh calm down! You are such a crybaby at times. I find that bald spot very adorable. It kinda reminds me of a little bird nest, Sharona giggled. Eat your dinner honey and stop being so sensitive – Sharona smiled as she winked a playful eye at D.J. the bald eagle from across the table.”

“Dignitas dear, you have had a very long and exciting day. From story telling, to car racing, and such a long flight back to and from Chicago. That is a lot to take in on one day. When you are done eating, I want you to go to bed. I will be right here when you awake, Sharona assured her son.”

“Is there anything you don’t see or hear, Dignitas asked his mother?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact - there is! I don’t hear the cries or see the pain of evil, unworthy ones. For example – those filthy vultures, Sharona replied with an expression of dislike as she sipped from her glass.”

“Son – go to bed! Your mother is mean and evil, and as you can see, it’s starting to leak out of her. Run quickly son before she infects you with her ways – the old eagle teased.”

Sharona threw a piece of food at the eagle. “No, I’m not sweetheart, I’m an angel. Give me a kiss before you go, Sharona puckered up her lips at Dignitas.” Dignitas smiled and gave his mom a huge kiss and deep hug, after which he slowly headed for the bedroom. He stopped just before the doorway and looked back as he smiled in content at her.

D.J, the eagle couldn’t wait to get on Sharona. “I can’t believe you are spending the night! Heidi has only been gone for a few hours and you feel comfortable already spending the night! Really Sharona …..Really, the eagle questioned with a bit of anger and worry?”

Sharona rose from the dinner table. “Well if you have a problem with it my dear man, you can always join her under the rock! Lets not forget whose house this is! You know what D.J – I am not about to argue with you. You have been around that nagging hen for way too long and it has rubbed off on you. She has turned you from a soaring eagle, and into a grumpy old rooster. I aint got time for this mess! I just reunited with my son, and I refuse to let you spoil my mood D.J.”

Sharona rose from the dinner table and quickly cleared the dishes. She then began to slowly take off all her jewelry as she walked seductively towards the other bedroom. “You know honey, that old hen was never good with housekeeping, so I took it upon myself and washed all the linens today. There are fresh towels in the closet and soft sheets on the bed.” She tooted up a tail feather and disappeared behind the bedroom wall. D.J. was immediately enchanted by her and followed behind her speechlessly. The soothing mellow tunes of the song “Take You Back” by Grindin Pun played softly as D.J. and Sharona giggled and enjoyed each other company. Dignitas listened quietly to the song as he laid motionless on his back thinking of Scarlett, the beautiful peacock. He exhaled deeply as he sadly rolled to his side and fell off to sleep.

{The End - Chapter Seven}