The Rumour
Deep in a green and whispering wood, Where bamboo bowed to rain, A black crow and his feathered love Lived far above the plain. Their trust was deep, their bond was pure, Until one dawn displayed- A golden-blue egg in his nest, Where morning mist was laid. High up upon a hidden branch, A clever cuckoo smiled; She left her egg for him to raise, To save her growing child. The crow returned and stared in shock, Unsure what he had seen; When suddenly a myna cried From out the shady green: “She brought a stranger to your home! She broke her vow today! I saw her wings before the dawn As softly she flew away!” Another bird repeated it, A third bird made it worse; By noon, a tiny whispered lie Had grown into a curse. The faithful bird returned at dusk, Her wings still wet with rain, To find her lover’s guarded heart Now filled with doubt and pain. “I did not do it,” softly came Her trembling, tearful cry. “My heart was ever true to you- Why must you say I lie?” But no one listened. One b...