An Introduction to "Parliament of Owls"
"Parliament of Owls" is a scene from a play by Cecile Cary entitled Space Mole 153X8 Visits Earth.
X8's mission is to discover Earth's suitability for "immigration and plantation." He journeys from Pole to Pole meeting various creatures along the way with their assorted hopes and fears.
Like all equipped space travelers, he has a Universal Communicator that enables him to understand the beings he meets.
The Parliament of Owls scene occurs towards the end of X8’s exploratory inquiry. Since a debate is in progress, X8 just listens; the Owls' views are being transmitted to Control.
PARLIAMENT OF OWLS: NORTHERN WOODS
Great Horned Owl (The Presider)
Wise Owl Ray
can only pray
that forest perch
won't be at risk
from those who lurch
with iron fist
into some fray.
Will none say Nay?
Barred Owl
Oscar Owl
hoots at those
who seek control
of all that grows.
Who will we be
with what woes
without green tree?
Who knows?
Great Horned Owl
We need another point of view.
Fair Ophelia, what say you?
Snowy Owl
Every owl must hoot
Rue, Rue!
Fair is foul
no true hue.
Keep air clean
water pure
Earth green
to endure.
Great Horned Owl
We seem agreed that green is core.
Is there another voice on war?
Owlet (from a hole high up in tree)
Though just an owlet, let me squeak
truth may come from tiny beak.
Fowlers use nets to catch their prey
that tries but cannot fly away.
Do not forget
war is that net.
We must seek peace for fish, flesh, fowl
I'd like to grow into an owl.
