Bird 4 - Kokila -The Cuckoo

You remain a hidden wonder, Beyond my roving naked eye, The mysterious voice that sings, Cuc-koo! - - - - Cuc-koo! A voice that heralds the joyous spring, Like a rejoicing bell, Breaking the silence of the tender dawn, With a voice so endearing! You ensure your presence with that shrill call, It's a signal to get up and look around, Past the cold winter and the forgotten promises, Into the warm summer of hopes and aspirations! I look up eagerly at the tall leafy trees, To catch a glimpse of you, The little bird-wonder so unassuming, Yet, so powerfully vociferous! When the first drops of rain come sprinkling down, Amidst the thick Mango or shady Jamun trees, Or among the bright red or flashy yellow Gulmohar, Where do you disappear? I wonder! A greater wonder! That you lay your eggs in a crow's nest, Sometimes, of other birds too, But no, never in a nest of your kind! Once out of the white shell, You are really smart, You can stand on your legs And can help your siblings too! Is it not strange and surprising That a crow can hatch The eggs of your genus, No caste and creed here! You are a lucky bird, To be so carefully nurtured by foster parents Until you are strong and ready To fly swiftly to a distant land! You remain a hidden- enigma, A sound only - like a Mantra! A voice so pure - yet so distant, The elusive - Cuckoo bird!