When I was a child I fancied that the songbirds sang for me, because I loved them so.

A young man saw my pleasure in the melodies and stopped by my side.
Do you like the birds? he asked.
And I said that I loved them with all of my heart, and that they sang because they loved me, too.

Oh,
said the man,
Oh.

I loved a bird as well.
She sang for me and I loved her with all of my heart.

Then, I said, she must love you, as my birds love me.

The man only smiled and furrowed his brow and told me
The birds don't sing for you, son.
They sing for the love of their song.