The Nightingale and the Hawk
A small nightingale singing joyfully on a tree branch was suddenly caught by a hunting hawk. Struggling in the hawk's sharp talons, the nightingale said he was too small to satisfy the hawk's hunger. The nightingale sweetly begged the hawk to release him, saying he could hunt larger birds in the future. The hawk laughed at the nightingale's clever plea and gave a wise answer.
"I am not so foolish as to let go of the small prey in my hand to chase a large prey I have not yet caught," he said. The hawk did not abandon the certain portion in his hand to chase uncertain future hopes. The nightingale's struggles were of no avail, and the hawk ate his prey with satisfaction. A hungry person does not give up the small, certain thing in hand to chase uncertain dreams.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. A certain small is better than an uncertain much. A tangible possession in hand is more valuable than a dream. Uncertain future wealth does not make one forget today's small.
Do not sacrifice a present portion for a dream. Contentment with what you have is wise. Do not drop the meat for a shadow.