The Jackdaw That Escaped the Cage
A small jackdaw lived in a pretty, comfortable cage. A boy brought it fresh seeds and water daily. But the jackdaw was not happy and wanted freedom. It thought about the forest and its old friends. One day the boy left the cage door open.
The jackdaw saw the chance and flew outside. It sailed happily in the sky toward the forest. It wanted to land on a big pine branch. But the string on its leg caught a branch. It pulled and pulled, but the string held tight.
The bird stayed alone and helpless in the tree. It hung there hungry and thirsty. Now its safe, warm cage looked wonderful. It put its life in danger only for freedom. Freedom without thought can bring great harm. Regret always comes too late.