The Bird that Dared to Sing
By Katherine Duan
The fluttering of tiny wings
that none were sure they heard –
a little thing perched by the Road –
a little tiny Bird.
This little Bird just cocked her head
and watched with great intent –
the Fraud, the Cheat, the Thief, the Poor,
the Man with Spirit bent.
And as she watched – she saw a Shade –
It flitted past the Men –
a little boy running from
the inevitable Sin.
She wondered at this little one
that dared to brave this land –
He – running through this world of Night –
A Candle taking stand.
The little Bird observed his trek –
She fluttered to a lamp
that arched above the small boy's head
as he sat in the damp.
She saw a fragile trembling hand
slip into a coat pocket –
She saw a chain of silver thin
that ended in a Locket.
Now opened he the tiny door
that hid his secret small
and peering at the Photograph
he let a teardrop fall.
The curious can't be denied –
The Bird flew closer still –
until she sat upon the bench
that boy was resting – ill.
She looked up at the Photograph
and saw a smiling boy
and a women with a man
All – beaming – full of joy.
The boy inside the Photograph
bore likeness to the child –
the child that sat beside the bird
And dared this forest wild.
But now the Bird saw more upon
the folded page he held –
In tender script this message did
the curving letters spell.
"May life forever bring you joy
and wonders new and bold –
Mother – Father – with Love to you
May ne'er your heart be cold."
"The Dead can't feel the Living's pain" –
he whispered to the night –
As he released another Tear –
and gazed up at the light.
But looking down – he spied the bird
as she in wonder sat
and marveled at this little boy
who bore a grieve as that.
He smiled at the little bird
who looked right back at him
and calmly hopped towards the boy
whose hope and light were dim.
Now she did tell a Secret small
that she had buried deep
and so this little bird released
a Note for him to keep.
But from a trickle comes a roar –
Like Water is a Song –
and so from note to Melody
let she roll from her tongue.
The boy sat still and smiled so
at her sweet melody
and marveled at this songstress small
who kept him company.
Now something old was sparked afresh
within both Boy and Bird
The Fire of Hope rekindled – new –
The promissory word.
So now you know the tale of boy
and bird who dared let ring
her song of Hope and Wonder true –
The Bird that Dared to Sing.
