Friday Fables

The Fable of the Swallowby Barry J. Northern A large roost of swallows settled about a tree, whose thinning branches fractured the sunset. One swallow among them stood on a high branch before her brood and proclaimed the end of Summer."My children. It is time for us to journey towards the Sun, to our wintering grounds."The children became excited, especially one young lad from the first brood who had been dreaming of the wintering grounds ever since an old swallow told him of the burnt fields, teaming with fat flies. More than the promise of a great feast under a strong sun, however, Firstborn desired to make nest and find a wife.He saw a younger brother on a lower branch, and hopped down to say farewell."I'm going now, brother, for I cannot wait. Will you fly with me?"Secondborn laughed. "No-one may fly as fast as you, brother. But what is the hurry? Will you not roost here tonight and wait for the flock to leave?""No, I want to be there as soon as possible. I'll make the finest nest you ever saw!" And with