Miss Saigon

The Sacred Bird

Miss Saigon


In KIM'S room she has dressed TAM in his best clothes. She lights candles at her family's 
shrine, then picks up the photo of her parents.) 
KIM 
from this picture I keep 
you, my parents, look out 
and your smiles show no scorn 
I am happy today 
for I know what to do 
and my heart is not torn 
spirits know when to fly 
when it's time 
there's no reason to mourn 
for the great sacred bird is reborn 

from the ashes he'll rise 
and upon his wide wings 
I'll watch you from above 
I will never be far 
but my son, it's your turn 
to know your father's love 
I know now why I came to this earth 
it's so you find your place 
but for that I must leave your embrace 

you will be with your father now 
give all your love to him when I am gone 
take one last look at me 
don't forget what you see 
for now you must move on 

you will be who you want to be, you 
can choose whatever heaven grants 
as long as you can have your chance 
I swear I'll give my life for you 
no one will stop what I must do 
my son, I'll give my life for you 

(she kisses TAM, prays before the shrine, hears people approaching, blows out the candles. 
She checks that it is CHRIS coming. She gives TAM a toy, and disappears behind the bed 
curtain. The ENGINEER leads CHRIS, JOHN and ELLEN into the little room where TAM is 
playing on the bed. A gunshot. KIM'S body falls out from behind the curtain