1998 —- Oct. 20 2000
Love Birds
Chipper I remember when you first came to live with us.
We had had another lovebird die within hours of bringing it home
and we were fearful of the same thing happening to you.
But you were so quickly active that fear was put to rest.
This is how you got your name.
You never really liked for us to handle you; we respected your wishes.
You would chatter at me when ever I talked to you.
You got into whistling contests with me until you lost your voice.
You were so very alive when we were home even chattering at the
cats when they ventured too close to your cage.
But since you didn’t want either of us to handle you
we thought you needed a friend in your cage.
That’s when Nipper came to live with us.
Nipper you were slightly larger than Chipper and your face
patch was not as bright. But your personalities fit so well together.
There were always times when you would fight each other,
but afterwards you would snuggle with each other on your perch
seemingly basking in one another’s presence.
The two of you always seemed so happy together.
You always appreciated treats when they were given
eating together and chirping happily.
You would sometimes try to out sing the television or radio,
never quite succeeding but trying nonetheless.
You slept together inside your Happy Hut stacked always
with Nipper on top.
I thought you would always be there to chirp at me
when I came home.
I knew that couldn’t be the case but I never could have known
how soon you would go…
Until the day I came home to the sound of your mother crying
and both of you were suddenly gone.
I have always felt that I missed something.
Could I have made a difference if I knew a little more about
how little birds get sick? Could I have made a difference?
Today a year later I still miss you so much.
Some of my friends don’t understand how an animal that didn’t
let me touch him or her touch me so much.
I don’t fully understand either but you two left
a deep hole in my heart.
We have a new parrot now.
We rescued her from a bad living situation.
Your mother and I have devoted ourselves to making her life
as happy as possible. We want to give her all that you
gave us in your short lives.
Can the hole you left in my life ever be truly filled?
I don’t think so. But if I can make another bird’s life better
I feel I am paying back the debt I owe you one that
can never be repaid.
I know I will see you again when I too cross that bridge.
I know you will be waiting on the other side flying free
and singing as you never could on this side.
I pray you will wait for me there.
Be good birdies.
Bill
| Chipper & Nipper |