On my back porch, a finch set up a home
So careful and intricate was her nest’s design
I would see her carry sticks and leaves to the rafters
She added pieces of tissues, dirt and, I think, old twine
Within weeks I heard the sound of chirping
And alas, the day came that the babes could fly away
I felt a bit sad that these new little beings
Were ready to leave the nest; they could no longer stay
The mother sat perched on the edge of a rafter
And coaxed each baby out of the nest
So hesitantly, they took their first flight of freedom
While their mother watched to see if they passed the test
I feel an identity with this mother finch
This year I watched my little one fly away
Done with college and off on her own
I wanted her to take off, but I admit I wanted her to stay
But chicks must find their way in this world
A good parent knows that they must soar on their own
We arm them with confidence and help them take that first flight
But we remind them the nest is there and they are never alone
As painful as it is to watch them fly
More painful it would be to teach them they cannot soar
The baby birds survive because they learn to use their wings
They thrive because they have their own dreams to explore
Donna Cavanagh-MyVeryOwnFan.com