King Parrot

• Ashleigh Mclachlan, Grade 10
• Short Story
• 2014

I watch from a distance, I don't get to close, in fear of scaring you away. To me you are a wonder, the way the colours run down your body, the way you sit with such pride, you are so free. I have many questions I must ask it never get to close, or ill frighten you away. I'm not here to hurt, I just want to know, why you amaze me as such. To you, I may look evil, heartless and out to harm, but really I am nothing you may think, I just want to know how, one creature can hold such beauty.

The way you are when you are in mid flight, the way your wings spread out with such awe. The ways of the king parrot will always stun me, I will always wonder why, one creature can be so remarkable and free. This is a tough time for your kind, my people are out day after day, trying to capture you for some kind of trophy. It's not right, to treat the king of the rainforest with such disrespect. You belong here, amongst the trees, amazing others with your breath-taking songs.