Asha

This is a story of a juvenile crow, Asha, who lives in the beautiful Palani Hills of South India. She realizes that she is missing joy in her life and isn't sure why. One day, she comes across a flock of colorful parrots and decides she wants to look like them. She thinks that if she changes her appearance, she will find joy. The events of the story lead her to that end. She is able to look colorful and is even temporarily accepted by the parrot flock but soon realizes she is not a parrot in essence as she can't fly (do the same flight maneuvers) or even enjoy the same diet as the parrots do. She is left isolated once again. This time she is joined by a wise old owl whose companionship and advice lead her to discover he true self, which is beyond any sadness. There, she discovers joy and is repatriated with her crow murder. She not only is a changed crow from the inside but has priceless wisdom to impart to the other juvenile crows. Her story is passed on through the generations by crows and, some even say, the parrots of the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, South India!

-- Rostam Pooladi-Darvish