The Caged Bird

I am a poor caged bird living in Rita's house. She is good and polite, but she never cleans my cage. In the last three days, I haven't eaten anything. Just when I was talking to you, Rita's father spoke as if he had listened to my prayer. ''Rita, clean the bird's cage and give it some food.'' ''Nah, I am playing.'' Rita said. Father came near me and spoke, ''Sorry dear bird. I will give you food and clean your cage. What if I name you Lisa?'' He asked me. I chirped in agreement. Father chuckled and cleaned my cage. After three days I got to eat something. A huge big relief to my small stomach. Father went away, and I felt lonely again. Rita came home. I chirped because I wanted to talk to her. ''Shut up Lisa. Father is going to Mumbai, and I am here alone. Please shut up so I can talk to my friend.'' Rita said. I felt very angry. I chirped loudly and called my friend, bobby.

''I want to escape, bob,'' I said to him. ''Ok, Lisa. But you are so beautiful that anyone can capture you. Humans are dangerous and selfish, of course.'' Bobby replied. Just then, my sister, Lolly came there. ''I have an idea. We can paint Lisa brown so that she looks like an ordinary sparrow.'' She suggested. ''Perfect!'' bobby exclaimed and went to bring the paint. Lolly flew inside and bought the cage key. She unlocked the cage with all her might. I flew away and sat on a tree. ''Freedom, at last!'' I said breathing the fresh air. Bobby and Lolly painted my brown. ''Thanks!'' I said. After a while, Rita and her father came home. ''Lisa is not here!'' Rita said crying. ''You didn't care for her,'' Father said sternly. Rita came into the garden and shouted, "Lisa!'' I felt pity for her. I flew and sat on her shoulder. We chatted there all day.

Friends, Understand the caged bird's feelings. How would you feel if you were caged?