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.
