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The Price of Freedom

Flaco the owl, who’s been on the prowl Since fleeing his home in the zoo, Has met his demise, when his nocturnal eyes Missed the building into which he flew. Though at first people feared and it surely appeared That he couldn’t exist on his own, Yet he more than survived; many swore that he thrived As his sightings and photos have shown. But he’s run out of luck for despite all his pluck, Something happened to throw him off course And his fans who all cared now should all be prepared To experience bouts of remorse. Still, the question I’ll raise about Flaco’s last days Is, though he might have lived very long, Would he rather have aged in the zoo, being caged, Or die free where wild creatures belong?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 3/1/2024 10:04:00 AM
Wish I had written this homage to a beloved owl, Ilene. Your final paragraph goes well beyond the sadness of an animal's demise, natural or unnatural; it raises an existential and philosophic conundrum heavy thinkers have pondered and written about over the centuries. / Maurice
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Ilene Bauer
Date: 3/1/2024 12:01:00 PM
Thanks, Maurice! I always feel conflicted visiting a zoo - loving seeing animals I’d never get to see in the wild but feeling so bad that they’re being deprived of their natural environment. Flaco the owl at least got to have a bit of both…
Date: 2/24/2024 11:38:00 PM
Perfect. I love it. I heard about this zoo owl , but not about his passing. Now I'm sad.
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Ilene Bauer
Date: 2/26/2024 2:45:00 AM
I’m sad as well, Hilda. We were all rooting for Flaco. They have a memorial set up for him in Central Park.
Date: 2/24/2024 6:19:00 PM
Dear Ilene, Your "Price of Freedom" left me deeply pondering. Flaco's story, though bittersweet, sparks a powerful question: freedom at what cost? His wild spirit thrived, yet a tragic end leaves a hollow echo. Did his freedom outweigh the safety of a structured existence? It's a question we can all grapple with, whether it's a bird or ourselves. You've created a poignant tale with thought-provoking layers. Excellent! - Blessings, Daniel
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Ilene Bauer
Date: 2/26/2024 2:46:00 AM
Thank you, Daniel! Your detailed and beautifully expressed comments are much appreciated…

Book: Reflection on the Important Things