Little Bird - Katama Wui

One morning I got up

to pick oranges in the garden.

And I saw this.

I saw the rising sun

and the little bird

singing his morning song.

And I heard this.

The little bird chirped: “Cui, cui, cui!”

And begged:

“Please, leave my little ones in their nest.”

And I said this:

First I chirped: “Cui, cui, cui!”

And then I said:

“Don’t be afraid, I am your friend.”

And what was asked I did.

Since that day the little bird loves me

and his sweet song gives me great pleasure.

And this is what happened.

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Katama Wui (20th century) Gabon

Source: Hope College Anchor magazine LXXIII-15, 1961