Little Birdie! Fly Again Poem by LALATENDU KABI

Little Birdie, Fly Again!

I wait and watch you, tiny friend,
Hoping your songs will never end.
Will you not rise and sing once more,
Like the melodies you sang before? (1)

Your beak is small, your wings so slight,
Yet your songs bring me delight.
Whisper once, just once to me,
Let me hear your melody! (2)

How far and high will you now roam,
Before you find your little home?
A cradle sways upon the tree,
carefukly made for you by me. (3)

Rice and grain I hid away,
Come, my bird, let's sing and play!
Feast and rest, then spread your wings,
And enjoy food as your mother brings (4)

Where's your mother? Tell me, dear,
Why has she not come so near?
Which tree holds her loving nest?
Shall I call her? Be at rest. (5)

Have you eaten? Tell, my friend,
Has hunger left you weak again?
Come, I'll share my toys and treats,
Ad birds return to nests in fleets. (6)

The sun is sinking, dusk draws near,
Nighttime whispers in my ear.
How shall I leave you here alone,
Far away from your sweet home? (7)

Each morning bright, I heard you sing,
Your voice would make my young heart spring.
Why now silent? Speak to me,
Tell me, bird, what troubles thee? (8)

Who will come and take your place,
If I must go, leave this space?
If you'r hunger, don not cry,
Food will come—just stay nearby. (9)

Once you've eaten, strong you'll be,
I'll take you where you need to be.
Soon you'll heal, your wings will rise,
And once again, you'll fly the skies! (10)

— Translated & Adapted from Lalantendu's Original Odia Poem