National Nursery Rhyme Week is a time to celebrate the enduring tradition of nursery rhymes that have been passed down through generations, offering rhythm, rhyme, and often important lessons to young minds. This week, I celebrate not only these timeless rhymes but also introduce a new story—a nursery rhyme that marks the birth of a character destined to make her mark on the world in my fantasy novel Windwalker.

In this rhyme, Jalil Orenda’s arrival is marked by both the gift and burden of being born of a Windwalker—a true Augur. Her bumble foot is not just a physical trait, but a sign of the struggles and discomforts she will face in her journey. Born with this ancient mark, her parents are to put her to death, but instead, they hide her. 

Despite the challenges ahead, the love of her parents—especially her father’s determined protection—shines through. The rhyme speaks to the tension between fate and love, how even in the face of great adversity, family bonds and sacrifice will guide Jalil through the darkness.

This nursery rhyme honors the strength of Jalil’s heritage and the unwavering protection she receives from those who love her, setting the stage for a tale of courage, survival, and destiny.

Jalil Orenda, Bumble Foot, Augur, and Windwalker

Jalil Orenda, born with grace,

Upon this world, she takes her place.

Augurs travel with great strife,

Her path marked by a fated life.

Born a Windwalker, strong and true,

A bumble foot, her mark to view.

Tiny hands with fingers five,

Her spirit destined to survive.

But see the foot, a twisted sign,

A cursed truth by design.

"She's no pure child, her fate is set,

A bumble foot’s a curse, we bet.”

Her parents, hearts so torn with fear,

The augur's path is crystal clear.

For Jalil’s bloodline, wild and true,

Marks her with a life to rue.

But love’s embrace, a shield so strong,

They whisper prayers to right the wrong.

In shadows deep, they hide her near,

Protecting her from others’ fear.

Her foot, a sign they can’t ignore,

Yet in their hearts, she’s worth much more.

Though fate would twist, and shadows loom,

They keep her close, and in love’s bloom.

#Jalil #family bonds #nationalnurseryrhymeweek #Windwalker #donnasundblad #bumblefoot #augur