For as long as any bird could
remember, mankind had provided birds with lovely baths in which to clean
themselves and quench their thirst after long days of singing. This service was provided to the birds as far
as they could tell with no expectation of future repayment. No terms or
conditions. Just free water, even in times of drought.
“Why do you think they do
it?” asked a young sparrow named Willsley.
“Who knows?” said her mother.
“Why does the sun shine? Why do cats chase us? It is simply their nature.”
Willsley thought that so
great and selfless a service as humanity had provided to them since time
immemorial ought to be rewarded. But how? What token of gratitude could one
bird offer? And with no hands besides? That is when Willsely Sparrow had her
great idea. She first campaigned locally, building a reputation as a fair
minded city alderman, then using that position to leverage a city councilwoman
nomination, then mayor, governor, U.S. senator, and finally President of the
United States. Her legacy of social programs and fiscal responsibility was well
received on both sides, but to her mind, her greatest achievement was her
system of national public water fountains and bathrooms, repaying the debt she
felt her people long owed humanity.
- Originally mailed to P.M. in Mississippi
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