"My earlier piece, 'Pelican King,' was taken as a wry observation on aging and obsolescence, but as I've grown older, my perspective has changed. Now we are aware that the monarch fulfills an essential need, serving as a staging platform for the next generation - safeguarding the eggs in his crown and future prince in his lap. His chilled, soggy feet will be ignored; he can't risk stepping out and disturbing the clutch or upending the frog. The king has the wisdom to wait and watch what develops. I like to think maturity has that effect on us all." - James Christensen