The Trials of a Parent

 The trials and tribulations of a parent never end –

I can see that you know this, my fine feathered friend.

When your curious fledgling tried too soon to fly away,

You were terrified by the thought that he might fall prey

To some feline pet who thought it would be fun

To pounce upon him on the ground, knowing he couldn’t run –

Or maybe he’d be crushed by some enormous foot

Of a forest monster who didn’t see him by the root.

I’m sure the thought ran through your mind –

“What will he get to eat?  He’s much too small to ever find

Anything at all.”  He sat so still, his peep was like a plea,

I heard it answered by his mother up in the maple tree.

She hovered over him, and in a little while

She even brought some dinner to her naughty child.

Joined by the father, they coerced and they did tease,

They preserved ‘til success had the babe back in the trees.

It took all day, but they didn’t rest

‘Til they had their fledgling back in the nest.

Many a parent could learn from you,

If they could but observe the thing that you do.