I saw a bird once, but it didn’t look at me

It was too busy spreading its wings

Jealousy hit me in the heart

For I knew the long journeys that bird could start

If it wanted, it could go see the ocean

And perch itself on the beach

If it chose, it could go to the Amazon

And have the lush leaves brush its feathers

If she desired, she could go explore the pyramids

And imagine how the Egyptians lived

If she anticipated, she could sit atop the Eiffel Tower

And bathe among a night of Parisian lights

Although the bird could fly anywhere,

I saw its doubt as it landed on a tree branch

Maybe it was unsure? Maybe it felt safe?

Maybe it wanted to give up?

Then, the sun came up

Almost like ‘hope’ or ‘encouragement’

It reminded me of love, passion, and determination

The bird lifted

And went onto her next adventure

I saw a bird one day, but didn’t quite see

But from that moment on, I realized the bird was me.

I fluttered my wings and took a chance

Awaiting my adventures to begin again.

I saw my doubts,

My ocean,

My Amazon,

My pyramids,

My Eiffel Tower,

And began to fly.

For if I am too unsure, too content, and too willing in giving up,

I’m forced to be someone else

Not free…not like that bird

I saw a bird one day, but now I agree

That spreading my wings is truly me.