Said the Polar Bear To The Penguin
Polar Bear: Why Penguin, it must be nice to have so many friends.
Penguin: Forgive me Polar Bear, but I must correct you. It appears as though I have many friends, but indeed I only have a few.
Polar Bear: Well then, who must be the other characters that are always flocking about you?
Penguin: One might call them acquaintances. The fellows are other penguins that I have met at some time or another.
Polar Bear: It must be agreeable, then, to have so many acquaintances and a few friends. I feel a tad bit of jealousy.
Penguin: To the contrary, it is quite laborious tending to all of my acquaintances. Much time is spent in formalities. As to my friends, yes, it is warm and restful to have someone close, especially in times of difficulty. But alas, I am envious of you dear Polar Bear.
Polar Bear: I beg you. Do you claim to desire no friends at all?
Penguin: But I am certain that you must appreciate, to a grand extent, that to have no friends implies that you do not have to concern yourself with losing one.
Polar Bear: Ah yes, I roam as I please. I am not confined to provisions that would hinder me from a bountiful hunt or from conquering territory. I have freedom of conscience. I am unafraid to be corrected, and I learn great truths with each adventure. Yet, I can not help myself but to think that friendship is a greater adventure.
Penguin: Friendship can be likened to an adventure, for one never knows what turn of events will carry the party to an unexpected end: It could be one of a triumph in unison or one of painful betrayal, and very often both. I have also found that it is impossible to fully rest myself upon another penguin so fragile without destroying my comrade; consequently, remarkable care must be taken into consideration.
Polar Bear: I am afraid that I am unequipped for such a risk.
Penguin: And I, Polar Bear, could not survive with your fierce responsibility.
Polar Bear: Perhaps we are unusual. Perchance we are intended for separate tasks.
Penguin: Yes, dear friend. I conclude that we must have some difference from one another in no uncertain respects.
Comments
The only thing is I wonder where a penguin and polar bear would meet to engage in such a conversation. At a zoo? If that were the case then the bear doesn't have as much freedom as it thought!