Faithfulness
Stick by stick she builds her nest, plucking down from her own breast,
feathering the perfect home to warm the lives of those to come,
then rests and waits and barely moves.
With upright rigid wings he glides, a sentry for his nesting bride.
His regal symmetry belies a core of steel, a heart of fire.
Undaunted he patrols the pond to challenge all who dare encroach
with fierce displays that clearly say, Stay well away! Do not approach!
Something ‘neath her starts to stir. At last the newborns have arrived.
As hatchlings debut on-by-one, relieved proud parents heave a sigh,
looking forward to the day when downy little fluffs of grey
are hitching rides upon their backs.