i came across a cardinal hatchling today…a small, sad figure, unmoving and still
it had fallen from a nest built high in an oak, and no matter how hard the parents tried, there was no help at hand
they came alongside their offspring, sheltered, encouraged…but he was just not able. he couldn’t walk or fly, he couldn’t control his movements as he rolled further down the pasture hill
he couldn’t see them, as his eyes had not yet unclosed, but he could sense their presence, and was comforted
they stayed with him, until long after all hope had been lost, then alone, together, they moved to a nearby branch and mourned
eventually they returned to the nest to care for the others, or perhaps to begin again
there is still time to begin again
©️2020
lingering son 