The Rescue's Song
 By Judith Archer 

 Will you take me home with you? I can't promise I'll be good.
 No one has taught me how to act or behave as a parrot "should."
 My first owner didn't treat me right, he said that I was "bad."
 He never forgave me that first bite, after that, he was always mad.
 He shoved me back into my cage and so, I started to scream.
 Then he hit me in a rage and my life became a bad dream.

 So now I scream and yes, I bite, I'm angry and misunderstood.
 But, please, please take me home with you. Love me and I'll be good.
 Please let me come home with you and spend some time with me.
 I can be sweet again I know, take me home, you'll see.

 My next owner swore at me, I learned to say things back.
 So now my words are crude and rude.  Please cut me some slack.
 If you let me come home with you I'll learn some nicer speech.
 If you are kind and give me time I'll change my vulgar screech.
 I'm really just a baby and so misunderstood.
 Please let me come home with you I promise I'll be good.

 My next owner just HAD to have me.  She thought I was "way cool."
 But now she doesn't have time for me, she's busy with boys and school.
 That's why I began to pluck.  I'm not pretty any more.
 I won't be much of an ornament if that's what you're looking for.
 I may never grow new feathers, my chest may always be bare.
 But, my soul I know could heal itself if only someone would care.

My last owner died and left me, she said that she'd made plans.  
But she never followed through on them and I've fallen into bad hands.
Please overlook my failings, please end this pain and strife.
Please, please take me home with you, I'll be your friend for life.

Please, please take me home and treat me right,
and let our friendship grow.
Please let me come home with you, this time it will work, I know.


Throw-Away Bird.....
By Joyce

I'm really not a mean bird
though you seem to think I am,
It's just a fear reaction
When I lash out at your hand

For you see some hands have hurt me
whether meaning to or not
and I do not often understand
the intentions you have got

Just give me time to know you
I need a little space
to know that I am safe and sound
while staying at your place

So far I've been a throwaway
I don't stay in one place long
people just get tired of me
then pass me on along

If you'll let me stay long enough
I think that you will find
that I may learn to trust you
and leave my past behind

It will not happen overnight
to overcome my fears
I hope that you'll stand by me
and not move me from here.

For every time I'm shuffled
my heart grows somewhat cold
I know not who will get me
or what my future holds
So you see that my reactions
are not directed right at you
will you help me overcome them
so I can put my trust in you?



Gods Bird

I will lend to you for awhile, a bird, God said
For you to love him while he lives and to
mourn for him when he is dead.

Maybe for twenty or forty years, or maybe for
two or three.
But will you, 'til I call him back, take care
of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you and
should his stay be brief,
You'll always share his memories as solace
for your grief.

I cannot promise that he will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this bird to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in
search of teachers true,
and from the folks that crowd life's land,
I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love;
nor think the lobour vain; 
Nor hate me when I come to take my
lovely bird again?

I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, thy will be done,
for all the joys this bird will bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.'

Will you shelter him with tenderness?
Will you love him while you may?
And for the happiness you'll know,
forever greatful stay?

But should I call him back much sooner
than you've planned,
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try and understand.

If, by your love, you've managed,
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him you've loved;
be thankful; do not grieve.

Cherish every moment of your
feathered charge.
He filled your home with songs of joy
the time he was alive.
Let not his passing take from you those
memories to enjoy.

"I will lend you a Bird," God said
"and teach you all you have to do.
And when I call him back to heaven,
you will know he loved you too."

A Cheap Birds Plea
by Joyce Glass

What is it that my life is worth,
How much will you pay,
to what extent would you go
if I got ill today? I know I am not an expensive bird,
My cost is fairly cheap,
But what is the price you put on life
For something that you keep?

My wings still spread out the same,
My heart still has a beat,
So why is it that my cousins
Are the ones you hold so sweet?

I cannot help that I was born
Without a golden egg.
Will you still take care of me
Or make me plead and beg?

I rely on you to help me
As I can't do it for myself.
Will you take the steps needed,
Or just put me on a shelf?

So when you walk by me,
Please look me in the eye.
If it would come down to it
Would I live or die?