Bird in the Hand

     Protestors faced a street. They pounded on drums and chanted slogans. Their signs criticized a presidential candidate. One protestor wore a Big Bird costume. Across the street stood backers of the candidate.
     A mother and her child approached. She wasn't interested in demonstrating. She spoke to Big Bird through peep holes under the beak of the costume.
     Big Bird bent toward the boy, shook his hand, then turned back toward the street.
     How nice it was to witness a tender moment amid the clamor of protest.