Here's the latest: (Late 2002)

 

 

Valerie with Mom Vivian- age 2 months	Adam
Tessa Volkov 2001	Danya Volkov 2001

 

The following was written by Danya in early 2002:

Many Different Birds

When you look at me, Who do you see?

A short girl, with forever tangled brown hair?

You might see that, but I see a bird.

"Which kind?" you might ask.

And I would answer, "All."

I am like a dove,

The symbol of peace.

Calm, like the waves in the bay,

On a warm summer night.

Graceful, like a ballerina,

Portraying a snowflake in a winter dance.

I am also like a crow,

With glossy black feathers.

These feathers hide a flame, A flame of anger and hatred.

Like a squawking and screaming black tornado

But I am bumbling too, I might fall off fences and fly into trees.

I am a goose,

Part of a flock.

Fishing side by side,

With others I know.

Seeking comfort from friends,

I am happy this way.

I am a stork,

Content and alone.

I fish in the murky waters of the bay,

Undisturbed and unassisted.

I do not wish for others.

I am happy this way.

I am a little petite bird,

Like a finch or a chickadee,

Pushed and bullied by others.

I have wonderful singing talents,

Far greater than theirs.

They all envy me,

This is why they tease me.

Sometimes, though, I become a large bird.

Perhaps a heron or an eagle,

Ready to stand up for myself;

Ready to provide justice when needed

But when there's a chance of fear,

I melt back into the little bird.

I am also like an injured bird,

Helpless; with a bandaged wing.

I can take off a little from the ground,

But can't go the places I strive to go to.

I cannot fly over the trees,

So I must walk the long way across the ground.

Yet I can still manage.

When you look at me,

Who do you see?

A short girl, with forever tangled brown hair?

You might see that, but I see a bird.

"Which kind?" you might ask,

And I would answer, "All."

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