mother
are you afraid
your nest is
too small
for new eggs
it rattles
on windy days
the only branch
you could afford
creaks
there never
seems to be
enough twigs
or mud to hold
your home
together
hungry mouths
chitter and flap
mother
are there enough
worms to fill
their bellies
and yours
bald bodies
quiver
you must keep
them warm
on crisp nights
sing as long as
your voice allows
always
the last one
asleep
first to rise
but now
they’re sprouting
feathers
spreading wings
learning to
sing for
themselves
mother
are you afraid
they’ll fall
or afraid
they’ll fly
they don’t need
crusty worms
scrounged
from the
sidewalk
they’ve outgrown
that rickety
old nest
their new homes
have no room
for you
mother
you have space
enough worms
to gorge
but you’re crying
do you miss
when they needed
your songs
to sleep
did you need
them too
mother
you’ve done
so well
dry your tears
take a bow
your babies
fly home
with bright eyes
and loud
twitters
they haven’t
forgotten
you
they’ve only
forgotten
to thank you
mother
rest your head
this time
let them
sing you to
sleep
they know
your songs
by heart
WILDsound Writing Festival 