"There is never any ending to Paris and the memory of each person who has lived in it differs from that of any other. We always returned to it no matter who we were nor how it was changed nor with what difficulties nor with what ease it could be reached. It was worth it and we received a return for whatever we brought to it." Hemingway

21.11.11

It was not the first time I’d seen the old man with the rolling cart feeding the birds. This time, I stopped to take pictures of him with Centre Pompidou in the background. Crouching down, I realized he was holding one of the sparrows and examining its wing. Oh that’s sweet. He knows his birds, I thought innocently. But my curious eyes widened in horror as the little bird’s mechanical chirps of grievance became screams of terror when he took out a plastic sack and tied the poor animal in it. I think I’m gonna be sick. Nevertheless, I lingered, figuring if I cant learn to stick out a bird suffocation, there’s no way I can become war photographer. There were two other witnesses, but they seemed less emotionally affected. Fortunately for us, the bird man decided to explain to his audience what he was doing. <The bird was still chirping>
He said the bird was ill and he was taking him nearby to be treated. 
Il n’est pas pour manger?
No, il est malade.
As the couple and I walked away, we smiled and (with great relief on my part) talked about (en français) how we thought the bird was going to be suffocated for a meal but that it was quite nice of the man to take his little bird friend to…wherever he was taking it to be healed.
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3 comments:

  1. Sloane Hadley Walker26/11/11 17:03

    Hi Ms.Emily,

    We miss you so much! I have just started reading your blog! It's really good! I miss you baby-sitting us! It sounds like France is alot of fun! Please take lot's of pictures and write soon!!!

    Love,

    Sloane Hadley Walker

    P.S I am now a certified baby-sitter, but I have to wait until my birthday to start baby-sitting real kids. I hope to see you soon and please write back!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Walkers26/11/11 17:19

    Hi Miss Emily,

    We also wanted to let you know that you still have a job with us -- you can co-sit with Sloane --- she would love that!

    Happy Thanksgiving from the U.S.,

    The Walkers

    ReplyDelete
  3. Emily Kaye30/11/11 17:15

    Hi Sloaney!

    I'm so excited to hear that you are babysitting (even if it's only your siblings right now. I hope they are obedient :). I would love to co-sit with you a few times when I go back to Dallas.

    I sent yall a letter about two weeks ago so you should be getting it in the next few days if you havent already. Meanwhile, Im taking more pictures than anyone would ever care to see.

    Love you and miss you,

    Miss Emily

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