Sing For Me, My Songbird.

• Lucy Mann, Grade 12
• Poetry
• 2022

I can clearly remember that night,
With the chilly air and the brilliant blue sky,
It's the most incredible time to jump and take flight.
No soul to chase me, none say what I should do,

This time I can fly right down and talk to you.
Some seed on the railings, to which I do fly,
I carelessly land and bring my head down to chew.
My wings are closed now; you take in my light.

"A beautiful big parrot, what a wonderful sight!"
I cannot see when your smile turns wry.
Your hands wrap my body; it doesn't feel right.
I squeal and lash, and I bite at you, too!

No, no, stop it! I am meant to be free! Go! Shoo!
But I'm pressed into a cage, and I can't help but cry.
I scream, and I wiggle, and you come into view.
"Sing for me, my Songbird. It will all be alright."