ORNITHANTHROPOS

By Ambrose Bierce

“Let John P. Irish rise!” the edict rang

As when Creation into being sprang!

Nature, not clearly understanding, tried

To make a bird that on the air could ride.

But naught could baffle the creative plan —

Despite her efforts‘ twas almost a man.

Yet he had risen — to the bird a twin —

Had she but fixed a wing upon his chin.