Singing Lass of the Valley

Pretty little lass Meena had an endearing wish,  which did not seem very much attainable to her family!  She had a captivating singing voice - people called her "Myna of Srinagar",  in the valley of Kashmir!  But she coveted for the "Best Singer" Trophy of the country, which was awarded every year in a gorgeous ceremony by the King, in his palace! How could she even attend the contest… unless she had money to spend for her journey, and a beautiful bejewelled dress       fit for the occasion!  The morning before the contest, Meena,  feeling very sad and disheartened,…   alone went to the wild woodland  in the back of her humble hut… many Chinar, and Mulberry trees were growing on their own, with nobody caring for them,  Meena often opened her heart to those trees! To her surprise, she found a unique bird  perched on the branch of a Chinar!  Its body was covered with feathers richly colourful. The bird didn’t move even when it saw Meena. and to her sheer amazement,  started talking to her in the most charming voice!  “Why are you sad, my dear child” the bird asked, in the kindest voice Meena had ever heard.  Mina replied, “ I want to join the royal music contest… but I don’t have money to buy a suitable dress,  or to pay for a coach … The bird said “No worries, my beautiful child”.  “You can borrow my singing voice for tomorrow's occasion,  to make sure you will definitely win the trophy.  Who can surpass the voice of an Indian Nightingale! And why do you worry about a coach...  I want you to borrow my strong wings to fly there at the speed of wind".  Meena was astounded with what the bird offered. The bird also told her not to let anyone know about their plan - to keep it a complete secret! Next day …everything happened as planned. Meena was able to fly to the concert with her borrowed wings, and she sang the most enthralling song any contestant had ever sang, or the audience had ever heard -  she dazzled like a breathtaking Princess even in the plainest dress she was wearing! Meena's song was so poignant, and fascinating,  she was undoubtedly crowned the  “Best Singer” of the country.  The day after Meena went back to the overgrown forest,  and returned the wings to the generous bird,  who was patiently waiting for her,  as it had promised!  Meena thanked the bird expressing her profound gratitude.  The friendly Bird took the wings back, and spreading those two bewitching wings open in the azure horizon,  flew high, and high, eventually disappeared! But Mina possessed the bird’s treasured voice for ever.  April 4, 2023 Write A Sweet Fairytale For Children With A Good Outcome Ending, Ie Nobody Gets Hurt :) Poetry Contest Sponsor: BJ Legros Kelly FIRST PLACE