I found him on the ground when he was young,
as small as the palm of my hand
as light as a feather.
He looked hurt and seemed to be injured.
I knew if l left him there, something terrible would happen to him.
I picked him up ever so gently, like he was a bomb, ready to explode.
I knew I had to do something to help him.
I would have to raise him like my own child.

One Month Later

He looked like a new and improved bird.
His feathers shimmered like the ocean water at sunset.
The sound of his chirp filled the air with happiness.
His coat was as green as an evergreen tree,
his chest was as red as a poinsettia plant,
his belly was as white as new snow.
Whenever he tried to fly, he’d flap his wings
as hard as he possibly could.
I knew he was ready to take off.

When the day came for him to leave,
I brought him to a big meadow.
I said:
“A month ago I found you on the forest floor,
alone and wounded.
I’ve taken care of you to help you recover.
Now the time has come for you to go back to the wild.
I know you will do fine one your own.
I’ll miss you.”

From there, he looked around at his surroundings.
Then he took off as fast as a jet.
A waterfall of tears rolled down my eyes.
I knew this was best for him.

When you love something or someone
you should let them go.
Let them be free so they can raise someone
like you have raised them.
You have taught them many things
and now it time for them to teach someone else.
Even though you will miss them,
and they will miss you,
it is the best thing for them.