Sparrow

SPARROW

on the point of fledging -

eager for the air,

fanned new flossy feathers

and wavered on the edge.



My fear filled warnings

all ignored, she fell

into your trap. My precious



chick, you snapped

the day she leapt; 

almost broke her 

tender neck - wings 

as yet unspread 



you fused against her sides

while twiggen legs 

you careless prized. I see her 

frozen and compliant in fear -



beak agape, tongue

flicking at the tasteless air

while you indulged 

your greedy appetite



until you sent her flying

home to roost uncomforted

against my wing

no longer mine, and nor



would anybody else's 

touch ever be acceptable

again. Broken chicks -

impossible to mend them.