A Bird and a Fox by Gwendolyn Viles A bird and a fox made friends one day. The bird used to fly far far away But the fox’s den was tidy and near, So the bird decided she could rest here. “By golly,” said the fox, “the outside is cold Icy gales are blowing, so I’ve been told. Let me fix us a fire and make us some tea, Even when the snow stops, please don’t leave me.” The bird hadn’t had a friend like this before And the fox’s charm was easy to adore. Less alone the bird felt with every smile shared, Despite the falling snow, she was not scared. “Now to bed I must be going,” said the bird “Tomorrow is nearly here, not one more word!” “To bed without a thank you?” asked the fox. Ice crept under the front door without a knock. “I do not mean to offend, I only mean well. The sun will rise and we must wake with the bell. Why not let us sleep for the hours that are left?” The fox jumped up, jarring and deft. “But,” he exclaimed, “I have been kind to you! I let you inside and now you’re making me rue. Outside you could be, in the wind and the snow, Alone and frozen to death while the winds blow.” “I am grateful!” cried the bird, “but, sir, please! I am tired and scared, all I want is release. At home I have a mother, and she told me of you, To avoid wolves and foxes I once knew.” The fox then smiled and stood up from the table, Up the wooden stairs, frost-covered and stable, Up to the attic almost touching the moon, The bird followed, shivering, into the room. “Please,” once more the bird felt she had to try, “Please, I know you don’t mean to make me cry. You meant well at first and somehow it turned. I don’t want to be here, I think I have learned.” “Stop now?” said the fox with a very bad grin, “I am a fox, you knew when I asked you in. You could have gone to a turtle or a fish, But instead you went with me as your wish. And now you’re a bird alone in a fox’s den And foxes by nature are violent towards hens.” The fox lunged at her with jaws open wide, And the bird looked inside for a place to hide.
by Rene Cruz
by Sebastian Bedoya