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One Day
by Abdullahi M, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, Age 17

Since the day I have flown into this truculent world we so eloquently call earth, I have been scathingly written off as different.

I am a bird that has been scorched by the sun; a bird of an unwonted ilk; a bird physically, and emotionally different than the rest of the breed. I am just a little bird.

When I was a fledgling, I had to adapt to this ever-changing world and learn how to take care of myself. I taught myself how to build an asylum from aversive and aching chirps. I taught myself everything I know today because of Her words: You are beautiful, do not let anyone tell you any different.

As the years passed and the numerous nests became spoiled from stingingly sarcastic songs that struck oh-so deep, I convinced myself that I had to find another way - a better way - to easily swallow and sustain the succumbing sounds of society; those not in favour of my differences. I did not give up. I could not give up. Her inspiring words were the only remnants other than my conjectural thoughts that I allowed to follow my every flight.

Finally, one day I was blessed to have calloused in indifference. I journeyed through the world with my pride and Her words. I soared through a gay, vivid blue sky that was once obscure and rejected little birds like me.

Then, all at once, the sky turned disturbingly raven. Rasping winds arose and a fusillade of words rained down. The letters I had grasped onto so tightly were replaced with harrowing letters which She arranged haphazardly: You are nothing, worthless, useless! You are dirty!

Pain is an insufficient word to depict the way I felt.

And I know nothing except that I want a Magpie and a Crow to intertwine and compose beauty. I want to sing my song vociferously. I want to whisper my lullaby to the world.

I do not know anything else beyond the fact that I am a special, little bird captured by a group of hunters. I am trapped inside birdcage minds but know that my time shall come.

...one day I shall be free to fly and sing my song.