jumbo-jet vs jackdaw - S. Zaynub Kamoonpuri

I wish to fly like a bird that chirps or hoots

without any jet or parachutes.

I sure don't like wings that roar

just so they could take off and soar.

Ah, to fly without diesel or fuel

ah, even to halt that mid-air duel

Birds, they don't pollute the air

nor need they any airline fare

So if only I too could glide

and let the wind be my guide.

I'd be happy to fly all the way to the stars

if they assured me I'd risk no charred scars.

Oh, I so wish to fly just like a jackdaw

then I'd fly across all borders

all the while preen and shampoo my feathers

for then I'd know no man-made border or law!

---

S. Zaynub Kamoonpuri (20th century) born in Nigeria, lives in Tanzania

Source: Voices.net