Early in the morning, one cannot fail 

To recognize the familiar sound

Of the beautiful spring robin,

Seeking nourishment from the ground.

I silently watch as she glances around,

Then suddenly makes a dart;

And nearly tipping upside down,

She retrieves her victim with art.

Continuing my observation now

I follow her on her course,

To the fully leafed maple tree

A secluded nest, her driving force.

On further intrusion, I glance inside

And to my sheer delight I find,

Four little mouths, now opening wide

To receive of their mother’s find.

The Robin’s ritual will continue

Until the last little one is fed,

Her daylong pilgrimage continues

From early dawn ‘til night is spread.

The vision of this devoted robin

Stays with me all winter long,

Until that day in early spring, as

I’m awakened by the robin’s song.

.

~Twilah~

2002