Entry #138

Beyond The Nest
by Timothy P. Remp


Mother bird took flight. She left to find food for her hatchlings.

The hatchlings merry chirps filled the spring morning with song.

“What beautiful voices. Come sing to me.” Two hatchlings ignored the voice, but the third was intrigued.

“Why should I?”

“Come fly down and see,” said the voice.

“I can’t fly.”

“Why not?”

“Mother said so.”

“You sound young and strong. Mother may be wrong.”

Mother bird swooped into the nest carrying a large worm. The voice curiously disappeared.

“Mother, why can’t I fly? I am young and strong,” stated the hatchling.

“Because you’re too young and not strong enough, there are many dangers beyond the nest.”

The hatchling pecked his portion, pondering possibilities. He felt strong. Could Mother be wrong? That night, the hatchling dreamt of flying into the endless sky.

After sunrise, the hatchlings resumed their birdsong.

“So beautiful. Come sing to me,” said the voice.

“I might fall,” answered the hatchling.

“Don’t worry. I’ll catch you,” purred the voice.

The hatchling looked around for Mother, but she was nowhere to be seen. He climbed to the nest edge and stretched his wings. Beyond the nest was a vast landscape far, far below. Something black flicked its tail.

The hatchling leapt into the air and held himself aloft for a moment before plummeting.

“Help!” cried the hatchling.

“Finally,” roared the cat and snagged his breakfast.