Sofia2017 planning asked about this song by Aselin Debison, so enjoy your Wassalia present! I thought it would be nice if, when they find Elena in Sandra's room after someone teases her, Nell could sing this song to calm her down. To her surprise, Sandra also knows this song and joins her, since this is a song of comfort to her as well, but it's been a while since she's heard it. Aselin Debison's music is not mine.
Nell had found Elena in Sandra's room, surrounded by her plush kitties. Someone at the Halloween party had teased her, and now Elena was upset. Nell took her, and one of the kitties she was holding, on her lap. "Oh, my sweet little Love Bug," she murmured. "You'll be all right. The boy went home, and he's not going to bother you anymore." Elena shook her head, so Nell asked, "Shall I take a leaf out of James' book and tell you that music makes everything better?" Elena didn't reply, so Nell began to sing a song she remembered from a long time ago.
Nell: A poor orphan girl named Maria
Was walking to market one day
She stopped for to rest by the road side
Where a bird with a broken wing lay
Sandra looked up when Nell started singing. "I know that song…how do I know that song?"
"You don't remember, Sandra?" Patricia asked, since she'd come up to see what was taking her so long, "My mother used to sing this to you when you were younger. She played it for you to help you go to sleep. Your father taped it before she died so you'd have something to remember her by."
Nell smiled as she continued, A few moments passed 'til she saw it
For its feathers were covered with sand
And soon—clean and wrapped—it was traveling
In the warmth of Maria's small hand
She nodded as Sandra started singing softly, She happily gave her last peso
On a cage made of rushes and twine
She fed it loose corn from the market
And watched it grow stronger with time
"I'll go find that tape for you," Patricia smiled. "You two enjoy your song."
Meanwhile, Nell was singing as she rocked Elena, Now the gift-giving service was coming
And the church shone with tinsel and light
And all of the town folk brought presents
To lay by the manger that night
Sandra patted Elena's hand as she joined in, There were diamonds, incense and perfumes
In packages fit for a king
But for one ragged bird in a small cage
Maria had nothing to bring
Nell smiled as she sang back, She waited 'til just before midnight
So no one would see her go in
And crying she knelt by the manger
For her gift was unworthy of Him
Seeing Patricia enter the room again, Sandra continued, Then a voice spoke to her through the darkness,
"Maria, what brings you to Me?
If the bird in the cage is your offering,
Open the door, let Me see."
"I found it!" Patricia whispered.
"I see that!" Sandra whispered back.
Meanwhile, Nell was singing, Though she trembled, she did as He asked her
And out of the cage the bird flew
Soaring up into the rafters
On a wing that had healed good as new
Elena had fallen asleep as Sandra continued, And just then the midnight bells rang out
And the little bird started to sing
A song that no words could recapture
For its beauty was fit for a king
Nell and Sandra finished the song together, Now Maria felt blessed just to listen
To the cascade of notes sweet and long
As her offering was lifted to Heaven
By the very first nightingale's song
"That was lovely, girls! Sandra, your grandmother would be so proud!" Patricia smiled. "Now do you think you could sing it again and I'll tape it?"
"Okay," Sandra nodded.
"Sure," Nell smiled. "I'm sure Elena would like to hear it again when she wakes up."
