The Fastest Flier

 

Hey look, it is the drab bird” said the Golden Pheasant.

 

“Hahaha” laughs Toucan.

 

Nothing cool to see here” declared Parrot.

 

“Just white and gray,”  added Peacock.

 

“Let’s go colorful birds, we don’t want to waste our time here” snickered Hummingbird.

 

“Of course, because he isn’t nearly as great as us colorful birds”  agreed Scarlet Macaw.

 

Even though the comments were harsh, this was just a normal day for Falcon since he just wasn’t the showy type with all different types of colors. He knew that as long as he had white and gray feathers, the taunting from the colorful birds would never stop, but as he embraced himself for more taunting he heard a different voice.

 

“My dear colorful birds, why are you saying rude things about Falcon?”. Falcon knew that voice; it was Owl, the wisest bird he had ever met.

 

“It’s because he isn’t nearly as amazing as the rest of us, and we’re just making sure he knows it”  Golden Pheasant said in a discourteous way, “You know, because he is drab”.

 

“Ahh, but you are only thinking about what is on the outside, it is what is on the inside that counts. Therefore, you can’t brag about being better if you don’t know what is on the inside.”

 

“What are you saying?” asked Scarlet Macaw.

 

"What are birds famous for?”  Owl asked the colorful birds.

 

"Flying, everybody knows that” Toucan said cheekily.

 

“So to test that, I’m saying that you should challenge him to a flying race”  replied Owl, in his calm, mannered way.'

 

“Ok, good game Falcon,” Parrot said sarcastically. Even though Falcon was thankful  to Owl for stepping in, he knew that if he lost, the colorful birds would be able to brag about both being faster and more colorful.

 

Just then Owl pulled him to the side and said “Don’t be afraid. Remember, you’re stronger than you think. I have faith in you.”.

 

“Ok, we’re ready, to win”  Toucan said over confidently  and even though he said the last part quieter assuming only his friends could hear, he was wrong as usual.

 

Owl flew up so he could see everyone and said “Well then, ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, SCARLET MACAW NO CHEATING THIS MUST BE A FAIR AND EVEN MATCH.”  The go seemed to take forever to get out of his mouth. And they took off. Falcon zoomed ahead faster than anyone could imagine.

 

“Falcon is drab and gray
He will lose everyday
So don’t put your money on him winning
On the drab and gray”  Hummingbird and Golden pheasant sang. But what if I do lose?  Falcon thought but then Owl’s words popped back in his head “Don’t put pressure on yourself” and he shot forward.

 

Golden Pheasant sang the song again, but it was only him this time. Owl’s words popped back in Falcon’s head again “Don’t be underconfident”  and he started flying forward again.

 

“Birds, Birds, and more birds,” Owl said and Falcon realized that some birds had gathered to watch, including his cousin who was giving him a wing up. “I am proud to announce that the winner of our flying race is Falcon!”

 

Wahoo! Falcon! Falcon! Falcon!”  the crowd roared.

 

7 minutes later when all of the colorful birds had arrived, Owl came to them “Now that you know what is on the inside, you can’t bully Falcon anymore. He is better at you in flying and now everybody, knows that” he mocked Toucan and gestured toward the crowd. “And now to present the award! Falcon, congratulations on coming in first place!” Owl said and then placed a medal around his neck. The crowd cheered. After everyone had left Owl pulled Falcon to one side and said “See? Now everyone knows how great you are in flying”.

 

"Thank you, now I know that I have the beauty of flying, and that it's not what's on the outside it's what's on the inside that counts.” Falcon said appreciatively.