Long time site friend David Henson has published everything from tragedy to jocularity with us. He excels at stretching reality until you believe that, why yes, I can see a future in which handling a black mamba for forty seconds without dying can improve one’s credit score.
And he occasionally writes something that manages the trick of being moving and absurd at the same time. Today we cast a light on something that can be described as such. Today we look at Byrd’s Syndrome and at long last ask “what’s it all about, David?” But I will endeavor to be specific.
Q, I will take a swing at this. Is it a metaphor for a father feeling that he is losing his little girl to the world and is helpless to get over it?
Q. Or is this an illustration of “shit happens” for no good reason, and transforming into a bird makes as much sense as catching polio?
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David’s response:
Q, I will take a swing at this. Is it a metaphor for a father feeling that he is losing his little girl to the world and is helpless to get over it?
Q. Or is this an illustration of “shit happens” for no good reason, and transforming into a bird makes as much sense as catching polio?
Yes, the story is a metaphor for a father feeling that he is losing his little girl to the world and is helpless to get over it. My prompt for the story was the song “She’s Leaving Home” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. I thought it would be interesting to have the daughter leaving the nest by turning her into a bird that’s going to live in a nest. The story didn’t quite come together until a rewrite where the father’s tormented thoughts were added to the narrative.
literally stories 
Great response, David. I encourage everyone to hit the link and check out Mr. Henson’s work.
Leila
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Hi Leila,
Well done on the metaphor spotting.
I don’t know if I ignore them or can’t see them!!
Dave, there are only a small amount writers whose work is recognisable within a few lines. You are one of those.
When the ideas are so imaginative, they are hard to forget!!
All the very best folks.
Hugh
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Thank you Hugh. I enjoy a metaphor mix with cashews myself, but it is an acquired taste.
Leila
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Many thanks, Leila, for your kind words and for selecting Byrd’s Syndrome for a rerun. And, Hugh, your comments and support are much appreciated as always.
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All the appreciation is for you, David. This feature would not exist without the efforts of writers like you.
Leila
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