Pumpkin and the Bluebird
Pumpkin and the Bluebird
by Lynda Keen
Pumpkin walked on.
Vroom ... Vroo-oo-oom. Zoon. Something was divebombing him. It screeched past his ears vroom vroo-oo-oom, flew past his eyes zoo-oo-oom, brr brr, vroom. It was a bird. In fact, it was a bluebird.
Now, normally cats and birds are natural enemies. So are cats and mice natural enemies. But as we have already seen Pumpkin being friendly with a mouse, it will be no surprise to see him being friendly with a bird. Pumpkin was a very exceptional cat and had no enemies - except, perhaps, once a dog but that story happened much later.
Vroom, chirrup, vroo-om, sang the bluebird.
Stop vrooming for a minute, said Pumpkin. And please stop zooming round my ears. I'm not too keen on being divebombed, he explained, as the bird perched on his head.
The bird hopped onto the ground.
Good afternoon, it said politely. I'mgoingtobearacingdriver, it added all in one breath, ever so excited.
Are you? said Pumpkin.
Yes. I'm on my way to Brands Hatch. I was just doing some speed practice. I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist showing off a bit, I'm so excited to have got his job.
Job? asked Pumpkin.
I'm joining the Ferrari team as a driver. Michael Schumacher is my hero! Supermagic! And just think of it, I'll be working with him! One day I might even be World Champion myself.
He sang a triumphant little song. Well, I say little, actually, it turned into a full-scale concert as a crowd of thrushes and starlings and sparrows joined in.
My mechanics, the bluebird told Pumpkin, pointing to the other birds, who were perching on the telegraph wires. They're travelling with me. Magic! he exclaimed.
He danced a jig and waltzed round Pumpkin excitedly then prepared for take-off.
Just a minute, cried Pumpkin. Don't start that vrooming again yet, I couldn't stand the noise.
Pumpkin was worried.
Just one thing, little friend. Are you sure you're going in for the right career? you shouldn't even be out here with these wild birds, really, you know. You're tame and it won't be easy for you living outside. You might easily end up in Onhyldani.
Where?
Onhyldani. Paradise. Heaven.
Oh, Sky, you mean, said the bluebird.
Yes, that's the bird name for it, said Pumpkin. I'd forgotten.
Not me, said the bluebird. No way.
Be careful, warned Pumpkin. Really you're a domestic animal.
Don't I know it. I lived in a doomcage for years, Mr Cat. I had a ladder, a swing and mirror and a toy car. I ask you, a toy car for a world-class racing driver like me, it was an insult. This doombrain human kept me in a doomcage in my own flat.
Pumpkin was shocked to hear this.
Yes, it's true. I'd rented it out to him out of the goodness of my heart and he thought he could take over. I showed him where to get off, I can tell you. Mind you, one thing I did like, his music. I do miss Boney M and Steely Dan. Once I've got to Brands Hatch, I shall build a nice cosy nest and settle down. I'll buy a CD player and some good CDs. And a shelf unit for my cups and racing trophies.
Magic! he cried again and did a vertical take-off, straight up to 100 feet. He turned somersaults and did loop-the-loops until Pumpkin felt giddy watching him. At last the bluebird came down again.
I run a parascending club, too, on the side, he informed Pumpkin. Come and watch us sometime. In fact, I'll give you a free flight anytime you like. See you, bye.
And off he flew.
Did I say he was tame? thought Pumpkin. Wow!
