Baby swallows
emerge from the nest
under the eaves
they never dreamed
they'd ever have
to leave
emerge from the nest
under the eaves
they never dreamed
they'd ever have
to leave
to perch for a few hours
rallying the will
to heed the call the wild world
has instilled.
to heed the call the wild world
has instilled.
How big the sky must look
to baby birds.
Their claws seek perches
that feel safe, and cling,
to baby birds.
Their claws seek perches
that feel safe, and cling,
yet
in every birdy heart
the song of freedom
sings.
the song of freedom
sings.
They make
a cameo appearance
before they fly -
that mighty leap
into a world of sky.
Not knowing where
they go,
they lift their wings
in trust,
as all young growing things
forever must.
before they fly -
that mighty leap
into a world of sky.
Not knowing where
they go,
they lift their wings
in trust,
as all young growing things
forever must.
Fly, little birds.
The sky is beautiful,
and the world is big.
You'll find wonders
everywhere you roam,
and many tall trees
in which to make
new homes.
The sky is beautiful,
and the world is big.
You'll find wonders
everywhere you roam,
and many tall trees
in which to make
new homes.
Meanwhile,
to remember,
I place you
to remember,
I place you
in this poem.
These babies have been vocal and active at my friend's floathouse, as they ready themselves for flight. Each spring, another generation of baby birds, parent birds flying back and forth frantically trying to fill all the open beaks. My friend lives in an enchanted spot.
Love it Sherry!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely!
ReplyDelete"in every birdy heart
the song of freedom
sings." Thank you for taking me there, and putting the birds here.
Every word has so much space and joy in the poem, Sherry, along with the rhythm. I have found "a world of sky" in the words here where these little fellows will live forever. How beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove it and the freedom your paint . Great poem.
ReplyDeleteLovely poem Sherry !
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Sherry! I can just see these little birds ready to take their first leap off into their wonderful adventures! Love how you ended the poem.
ReplyDeleteSuch a tender an affectionate poem which really does the prompt of Cameo proud - Jae
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile,
ReplyDeleteto remember,
I place you
in this poem. - this is so beautiful..the baby birds, the sense of open sky and freedom and the poet placing them in the poem - love it!
One of the prettiest, most lovely things I've ever read from you, Sherry. It's perfect.
ReplyDeleteVery authentic - and a beautiful moment captured.
ReplyDeleteLovely poem....Rall
ReplyDelete‘Meanwhile,
ReplyDeleteto remember,
I place you
in this poem.’
I love that you directly address the baby swallows, Sherry, after their cameo appearance. I also love the idea of ‘that mighty leap into a world of sky’.
Yes, we have fly catchers who come every year. We never know if they are the babies from last year, or the parents at it again. A beautiful poem, wondrous!!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say it is me, annell.
DeleteA gem of a poem, Sherry! We have birds galore in our yard and neighbourhood. We’ve been enjoying a Blue Heron nest in the Sechelt Marsh beside our local dog park. There are two babies we’ve watched growing who are nothing like your sweet little hatchlings. They’re big, awkward youngsters who never sit still or shut up…mama bird has her work cut out suppling her raucous twins with enough to eat. They never stop shrieking for more and stomping around in the nest.
ReplyDeleteBecause we’re so close to the park, Michael and I have even heard them squawking through our window as we go to bed.
Lynette
I love this tender look at baby birds as they make their way into the wide blue yonder! Every line breathes your love and concern and admiration for them ... and so touches us. Surely that last stanza immortalizes them.
ReplyDeleteWow I love this! Sherry! Also reminds me of Grandma and Grandpa's passion for birds!
ReplyDelete