Newborn

by Sharvi Lohani

I open my eyes and see the sky,

I wonder where I am, and why?

In a nest, hung on a branch of tree,

Out of reach of all the animals, and free!

Below my nest the river flows,

Waves sparkling like diamonds as the wind blows,

Nearby sits a man, drawing,

Looking towards me and sometimes yawning.

I flap my wings and decide to fly,

But I have no confidence; I’m afraid to try,

I gaze towards the horizon and wonder,

What worlds lie over the blue yonder?

Full of  curiosity, I close my eyes,

Flap my wings and try to imitate flies,

Suddenly I feel light, and realize that in trying,

I’m hung in midair–I’ve succeed in flying!

I pass over the meadow with its flowers and trees,

Feel with my soft wings the cool, scented breeze,

Reaching my destination, the river,

I approach the man with fear, and a shiver.

He could have been drawing so many things:

But he drew a little bird with colourful wings!

Gasping at the lovely picture, I realize

How pretty I am, I see through his eyes!

Sharvi Lohani is 14 years old and a student of class IX at Delhi Public School, Kalyanpur.