Poem I Anannya Trivedi
"Migration is dangerous for birds,"
Said my geography teacher with a sad smile
I asked, "Is it important for the test?"
As I completed my practical file.
The whole class burst into laughter
But she sternly glared at me
"And why get into this if it's dangerous?"
"I'll take this question tomorrow," said she.
"Trust me, if I were a bird,
I would never take this chance."
I announced to my friends during lunch
While we calculated the 'canteen finance.'
And did I tell you it was the winters?
Those were our last ones at school
So we started planning for our future
Yet we tried to play it cool.
"I will study abroad,"
Said the class topper with pride.
"As for the scholarship and visa
I have already applied."
The captain of the sports team
Told us his plans too,
He was going to join the best academy
For he was sure to get through.
I went home and thought;
I had to figure out something soon
Or I too would have to leave
To some alien place and be a buffoon.
I searched about my city
And I was thrilled to learn
"I have fairly good colleges here"
So there was no concern.
Next day in the class, I told all my friends
That I would never move out
"I love my home too much," said I.
"Silence!" I heard my teacher shout.
She asked the class as she entered,
"So what were we discussing yesterday?"
"Ma'am, migration of birds,"
I raised my hand to say.
"Okay okay. We'll start with your question."
I stood up as she came near my table.
Then, she dramatically raised her hands
And started speaking, as if telling a fable.
"There once was a bird named Leone,
Who knew it was scary to migrate
So she thought she would just hide
And her winters would be great!"
"She saw the others leaving
But Leone did not care.
Remember she said she knew
That it was a dangerous affair?"
"She loved her home so much
That it was not easy to even show.
But then a bird told her something
Then she was ready to let go."
"What did the other bird say?"
I was too curious not to ask.
My teacher smiled at me
As she had some water from the flask.
"The other bird told her right away
That it was dangerous and scary for sure
But they'll only become brave and strong,
That's something this journey will ensure."
"Also, you wouldn't lose your home,
The other bird told Leone
Rather you'll have two places then
That you can claim to be your own."