Magpie Robins aren’t magic tricks

I was shocked when I saw David Copperfield take to the skies on a television show. I couldn’t understand how he did it. Although, back then, the disappearing thumb trick had me tearfully confused too. I was about 7 years old. It was bewildering to see someone defy the laws of physics.

Soon after, I attended a few magic shows held in Chennai. I grew “curiouser and curiouser” about their powers. They seemed to control the forces of nature. And they kept challenging my perception of time and space.

I convinced myself that comic book superheroes were based on white-skinned versions of Indian magicians like the flamboyant PC Sorcar or the ubiquitous P James. And I started looking up to them. I believed they could rid the world of its troubles if they weren’t busy enthralling crowds.

(source: Wikipedia)

(source: Buzzintown)

(source: Wikipedia)

A few years later, the art of magic revealed itself to be a disappointing optical illusion. The secret compartment. The hidden card. The terrified rabbit. The trickery was loud and clear.

I blame it on puberty. It ripped the magic out of me. Filled my insides with delusions of inadequacies. Dimmed the twinkle in my eyes. I prioritised a bunch of things over the sheer joy of discovery. Some call it the loss of innocence. I like to think of it as the death of wonderment and the birth of a new order of deception.

Thankfully, the songs of birds never deceive. For instance, when I hear a distinct and beautiful whistling sound, I know for sure that Oriental Magpie Robins are lurking nearby.

I may not have a clue about what goes on in their tiny heads. I don’t know the lyrics to any of their songs. And I am a few months away from turning 35. However, finding an Oriental Magpie Robin in the middle of a melody certainly feels like magic to me.

“Where’s my stash
of sunshine,” chirped
a magpie robin;
“can I have a word
with the wind
at least,” asked he.

“Get your head
out of the clouds,”
chimed the cicada,
still in his beak,
“put me down
and walk away
from me”.

(Photographs: Chennai, Kodaikanal)