Sunrise or Starshine?

At sunrise, Rafi the rooster stood on an apple shed and lifted his bright red head. “Morning is the finest time to sing!” he crowed proudly. “My voice makes the whole orchard feel awake!”

“Not me,” murmured Oona the owl from inside the shed. She had just returned from a night of flying. “I am ready to sleep. Your song feels like a bell beside my pillow.”

Rafi fluffed his feathers. “But a fine song belongs at sunrise!” “Come listen at sunset,” Oona said. “Then tell me what you think.”

That evening, Rafi was settling into his coop when Oona began a clear, cheerful song. “Such a wonderful time for music!” she called. Rafi yawned. “Wonderful for you. My eyes keep closing.” “Now you know how I felt,” Oona said gently.

Rafi nodded. “Sunrise suits me because I am wide awake. But that does not mean it suits you.” “And sunset suits me,” said Oona. “We need singing places that let each other rest.”

Together they made a sign with the heading “Two Singing Spots.” It showed Rafi on the far orchard fence and Oona in an elm away from the coop. Beneath the drawing, a caption read, “Room for songs and sleep.”

The next morning, Rafi sang from the fence. That evening, Oona sang from the elm. Rafi still loved sunrise best, and Oona still loved sunset. Now each could enjoy singing without spoiling the other's rest.