Young Poets 12 and Under –

"There Was a Bird" by Luke Zhang

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January 15th, 2026

There Was a Bird

by Luke Zhang

There was a bird
Who could not fly
The bird tried to reach the sky
The bird still could not fly

At a young age
Everyone was learning how to fly
The bird jumped high
But still fall from the sky
He asked his mother
Ma, why can't I fly?
However, she did not know
And she did sigh

The other birds were mean indeed
They mocked, taunted, and bullied the bird
A while later, everyone was fully-grown
The bird was too, but still could not succeed

The bird became sad
The bird asked the all-knowing bird,
Why can't I fly? 
How am I a bird if I can't fly?
The all-knowing bird replied, 
Dear bird, don't cry 
I do not know the answer
But I know you are just as special
As the birds who can fly

A while later, when the bird's children had children, 
The bird could not walk, talk, or fly
As the bird took his last breath
There is no regret, no shame
No anger, nor cry
Though the bird had never learned to fly
He was at peace and whispered, Goodbye


About the Poet
Luke Zhang resides in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Read the poet's biography and Young Poets World publications on Luke Zhang's Artist Page.

Young Poets Collection
This poem is also featured in Young Poets Collection #1, published in the Young Poets World Library.

Keywords: acceptance, wisdom

Previously published in Young Poets 12 and Under:
This is the first poem published.

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