A BIRD WHICH SINGS
JUST ONCE IN ITS LIFE, MORE
SWEETLY THAN ANY OTHER
CREATURE ON THE FACE OF
THE EARTH. FROM THE
MOMENT IT LEAVES THE NEST IT
SEARCHES FOR A THORN TREE,
AND DOES NOT REST UNTIL IT
HAS FOUND ONE. THEN,
SINGING AMONG THE SAVAGE
BRANCHES, IT IMPALES ITSELF
UPON THE LONGEST, SHARPEST SPINE.
AND, DYING, IT RISES ABOVE ITS
OWN AGONY TO OUT-CAROL THE LARK
AND THE NIGHTINGALE.
ONE SUPERLATIVE SONG,
EXISTENCE THE PRICE.
BUT THE WHOLE WORLD STILLS
TO LISTEN, AND GOD IN HIS
HEAVEN SMILES.
FOR THE BEST IS
ONLY BOUGHT AT THE COST
OF GREAT PAIN....OR SO SAYS THE LEGEND
