Birds like Us

You laid there
weak and wet
freshly hatched
struggling out
of the shell
I watched you peck
chip away the walls
in tiny flecks

It took you
several tries
to spread your wings
hold up your own
head
reach to me
for nourishment

But you did it

I left you alone
sometimes
watched you fall
from a distance
your tiny wings expanding
on instinct

But not enough

Little by little
you grow strong
in body, mind, and spirit
use your wings
to fall with grace

And you ask why
I let you fall
so many times

I shrugged and answered
You know why

Birds like us
are meant to fly

Now we climb together
and I will show you
what wings are for
How to work the current
to navigate the sky

Birds like us
are meant to fly