Light Flight

By Andrew R. Duckworth

There was a fledgling in the backyard
When I went to water the peach tree.
May have just left the nest
When I frightened it into flight
With the opening of the back door.
It flew for a moment,
Just enough to make its way
Over the small iron fence.
Momma bird was on watch-
Perching from limb to limb-
Squawking out in fright
As I kept a watchful eye
On the young bird sitting in the grass,
Keeping its eyes on me
As I gave the tree a drink.
There was a huge part of me
That wanted to help
But I dared not touch it.
A young bird has to learn
To fly on its own.