Learning to Fly

By Nancy A. Boyd

The mother bird,
perched high above the nest
as she attempts to coerce
her nearly newborn 
to give its wings a try.

She seems to be saying,
it will be okay, she will stand by.
It’s what we as parents do; 
give them roots and, 
 give them wings.
 
Her time with them is short.
There is so much 
they will need to know,
a lifetime of lessons 
do not come from  
extended family time.
 
Taking flight seems to
come so quickly.
It seems that soon
she will have done
 all there is for her to do.
 
Is it their trust or instinct?
that allows her to let go
Does the circle of life for her?
   only last this brief time.