Henry's Dreams — A Bedtime Adventure

Do you see the tall oak tree, The one down the street? Well, in it lives Henry, A bird I'd like you to meet.

He and his family Live there in that nest. See the brown one up high, Above the rest?

Four sparrow children, All younger than he. Henry must help his parents — There's no time to rest.

Sometimes it seems The work never gets done, So he dreams while he works. That's how Henry has fun.

"Being born with wings," Henry says of his gift, "Lets me soar through the clouds, The rain and the mist.

I can look all around From my perch on high And pretend I'm an eagle. I own the sky.

Sometimes my wings Have a mind of their own And take me to places Where I can be on my own."

Then just when he thinks An escape he has made, His little sister starts chirping And his fantasy fades.

So he saves all his dreams Till he's tucked in at night. When the whole nest is quiet, That's when flying is right.

He pretends he's asleep With his eyes closed tight And dreams he's up high On an adventurous flight.

Up thru the clouds He soars right past the moon. He's a daredevil pilot, Not a bird in his room.

The mission he's on And the secret papers he brings Will save the world from destruction. He's a spy with wings.

"Though I live in danger, At least I get paid. Time to hire a helper With the money I've made.

Someone to do my chores And take my place, To come in each day With a smiling face.

Then I'll be free to go Far away from my nest, And I'll only come back When I need to rest."

"I might miss my family, It's probably true, But a bird's got to do What a bird's got to do.

Who knows what adventure Lies waiting for me As I journey to places Only I'll ever see.

Ready for duty, Anytime, anyplace — A call from the President Leaves no time to waste.

My secret phone will ring And the President will say, 'You're leaving for Africa. You must leave today.

I'm sending you there To find and bring back All the leaves from the Smiley tree You can stuff in your pack.

The leaves have a secret And with you I will share' — He paused for a moment And Henry waited to hear.

'Just one little nibble, Just one little bite, Brings with it a smile That makes everything right.

As soon as you swallow You'll feel it begin. Even if you are mad, You'll soon wear a grin.'"

He was shocked and surprised. Henry couldn't believe That a tree found in Africa Could grow such leaves.

"Mr. President," Henry said, "My mission is clear. You can count on me. You have nothing to fear."

The President said, "Henry, Only you could I send. As the bravest of brave, I salute you, my friend.

Please be very careful — If it's true what I've heard, The winged king of Africa Is a five foot tall bird!"

But Henry cares nothing For the danger ahead. "A five foot tall bird — Is that what he said?"

Henry opens his eyes And stares at the wall. "That Bird King of Africa, Boy oh boy, is he tall."

"Well now, let me think. I kind of like my nest. I might have to work But it's still the best.

What if, just by chance, While I'm so far away, A tornado just happens To be blowing this way?

Howling winds will blow My nest from this tree And blow my family Far away from me.

When I finally return, What will I find? Just a bent old oak tree But no family of mine."

Lying there on the ground Beside the old tree Is the nest I called home — But where can my family be?

Henry laid there in bed, Not feeling so good, Pulled the covers up high Around his head like a hood.

He sniffled a bit And scratched his cheek, Coughed for a second And closed his beak.

He closed his eyes, Feeling tired and sad. Then someone came in — "Oh, it's you! Hi, Dad!"

"Henry, what's wrong?" Dad asked as he sat. "Can't sleep tonight? Let's talk about that.

When I was your age, With my head full of dreams, I explored the whole world And all that it means.

I could pretend to be Someone else just for fun, To see what it's like — And no harm was done.

My dreams seemed so real, Sometimes I forgot That I really was me And not the someone I thought.

My father he'd come in, Like I came here to you, Brush back my feathers And remind me, too.

He'd say, 'Little bird, I know just how you feel. Sometimes our dreams Can seem oh so real.

But if you look close You'll be able to find The reason you dreamed That dream in your mind.

Then you'll become so smart, Such a wise bird you'll be. Your dreams will help you And teach you to see.

Dreams float like Wind in your mind. They carry your hopes Through all space and time.

Henry, if you get scared, Just remember one thing — You're my little bird.' And Dad held out his wing.

Then he gave me a hug And kissed me good night. I said, "Thanks, Dad," And he shut off the light.