A bird came to rest on a branch outside my window one day. It sang such a beautiful tune, I nearly cried.

“Won’t you stay?” I asked the little bird.

“I could stay,” it replied, “but that is not what these wings were made for.”

A fawn appeared on the hill outside my window one day. Its silent grace was so lovely, I nearly cried.

“Won’t you stay, and rest by my side?” I asked.

“I could stay,” it answered, “but that is not what these legs were made for.”

A fish jumped in the river outside my window one day. It moved with such effortless joy, I nearly cried.

“Won’t you stay?” I called to it hopefully.

“I could stay,” it answered, “but that’s not what these fins were made for.”

A man knocked on my window one day. His eyes were such pools of wild grace as he watched me pack my bags. Tears slipped from my eyes.

“Won’t you stay?” He asked, though his heart knew the answer.

“I could stay,” I whispered, “but that’s not what I was made for.”

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Author: Toby Israel

Image: Used with permission from Paula Barkmeier

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