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By Sophie's Mom Submitted by Lilla Date: 2003 Mar 10 Comment on this Work [[2003.03.10.01.52.2894]] |
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Sophie and I bought a maya bird last Saturday. The maya bird was in the same situation as the first one we acquired for a measly PhP20.00. Whereas before it was in some fine, soft, cheap iron strips twirled together. This time, the bird was "entombed" in an indigenous woven material. It was, definitely, a better version of the iron strips (if better meant "neater", "kinder", "beige"). As it was the first time, the short tricycle trip was Sophie's "bonding" time with her "short span" friend. Now, it was her who made the explaining. In her young mind, in her limited vocabulary, she vividly, sweetly explained the details of a "way of life" I actually wanted her to realize and appreciate. When we got home, the "ritual" immediately begun. I got a pair of scissors, and I carefully cut the little cage as the little life inside seemed to be very excited to get out and get on with living. It was hopping restlessly. Sophie in litany. She talked of the fresh air, the blue wide sky, the tall, slender trees, flowers and fruits in tow. A cozy nest with dad and mom waiting for the return of their precious little one who became an unsuspecting, carefree prey to this Great Human Enterprise. When the birdcage went off, in just a matter of seconds, the maya bird soured quickly, proudly as if it knew exactly its destination. The wind blew and my daughter's innocence went with the comforting breeze and the gentle drizzle of the rain. All that was left was a memory of a tiny maya bird, its broken cage and the wisdom that goes with it. She bade the maya bird goodbye, and wished that it would find its way back to its mom and dad. For Sophie, it was a child's journey home. For me, it was a brief lesson on life's emancipation. I kissed my daughter's soft, pink cheeks. She gives me one big sweet hug while in her almond eyes I saw comfort for being happy together with mom, and that spotless, virtuous pride for having an unquestioned generosity to do what is right. (And why not? Sophie could have chosen to keep the maya bird for herself and her playmates to enjoy, but no, to her Maya belongs to the sky, has a home with mom and dad, and may be, one good life to conquer.) I am proud of my daughter, and I am just of proud of myself, too. . "Birds in cages sing of freedom, birds in freedom fly," I whispered. |