Chelm’s First Parrot

November 4, 2019

Chaim Yankel was very lonesome so he decided to buy a parrot from a pet store, complete with cage – the city of Chelm’s first parrot! Before purchasing it, the store owner guaranteed Chaim Yankel that the parrot would talk. Chaim Yankel took the parrot home and the city of Chelm was abuzz. But in a week and a half Chaim Yankel returned to the store very disappointed.

"The parrot doesn't talk."

"Did you buy a mirror?"

"No."

"Every parrot needs a mirror."

So Chaim Yankel bought a mirror and installed it in the parrot's cage. Another week and a half went by and Chaim Yankel returned.

"The parrot still doesn't talk."

"Did you buy a ladder?"

"No."

"Every parrot needs a ladder."

So Chaim Yankel bought a ladder and installed it in the cage. Another week and a half passed and Chaim Yankel returned.

"The parrot still doesn't talk."

"Did you buy a swing?"

"No."

"Every parrot needs a swing."

So Chaim Yankel bought a swing and installed it in the cage. A week and a half later he returned. He was furious! The store owner asked, "Did the parrot talk?"

"No!, he died."

"Oh, that's terrible. Did he say anything before he died?"

"Yes."

"What?"

"His dying words were, 'Don't they have any food down at that store?'"