The conditions of a solitary bird are five: The first, that it flies to the highest point; The Second, that it does not suffer for company, not even of its own kind; The Third, that it aims its beak to the skies; The Fourth, that it does not have a definite color; The Fifth, that it sings very softly.
John of the CrossLove consists not in feeling great things but in having great detachment and in suffering for the Beloved.
John of the Cross