The Nest

The nest is prepared with care
One twig at a time interwoven
A home now empty yet soon to be full
At the arrival of the young ones

They are fed and nurtured
Sheltered from the storms
Covered by the wings
From enemies known but unseen

They grow quickly, their wings outstretched
For that first leap from the nest
As they tumble headlong to earth
And then glide on their first flight

Soon they leave for parts unknown
Each time a little longer
Each time a little further
Until the day they never return

For the birds, the cycle begins again
With a new egg or two
A few new twigs and branches
A new cradle for the eggs to rest

But for human parents, it’s over
When the children leave,
The nest is empty
And hearts cry in both joy and pain

And the children go out
Gather their twigs and sticks
And build a new nest
To raise their own children in….