The Purpose of a Bird

What is the purpose of a bird?

To fly? To eat? To breed?

Is its life a thing of choice

Or else of merely need?

If its purpose is to fly

But, hatching from its shell

Is born without the wings to fly

Can life be ever well?

If its purpose is to eat

But lacking seed or prey

Can the bird starve nobly

As nature has its way?

If its purpose is to breed

But has no living mate

Is the bird worthwhile still

Despite its desperate fate?

And what of birds within their egg

Afraid to face the light

For fear of life without a mate

Or lack of food or flight,

Who lay inside their egg, so warm,

Who never hurt or cry?

Are they blessed who never live

For they shall never die?

What is the purpose of a bird

Who cannot do a thing?

To live in stillness silently

Or else, perhaps, to sing.