Coping

Chris Jones of Flamblogger published this picture of a Californian Towhee called Peg Leg on his/her blog along with some other lovely nature shots.

http://flamblogger.blogspot.com/2010/06/flamblogger-w-is-for.html

 

COPING!

Does a little bird know when it's lost a leg?

Could it be that it's unaware?

After all, it's as 'birdie' as birds can be

When it's flying along in the air.

Does it remember the awful day

When the thin little leg went 'Snap!'?

Does it have nightmares about the time

It endured such a dire mishap?

Do other birds look at the leg and wince,

And do they feel sympathy?

Do they take extra care as they hop about

Thnking 'That might happen to me!'

'Bird Brain' we say as we mock their minds,

But I think little birds are smart.

Could you remember last summer's nest

As a memory  deep in your heart?

Could you fly many miles over hill and sea,

Could you battle through torrents of rain?

Could you fly on and on to the chosen spot

And find it again and again?

No, birds are clever. That's why I ask

Is this little creature aware?

Does he even think, when he's feeling tired ,

'Life isn't very fair.'

And is he courageous, hopping about,

And singing a Springtime song,

When he's coping with disability

And it's hard to get along?

Or does he take it all in his stride

(A one-legged 'stride', I know),

And accept the deal that he's been dealt

Not just as a bitter blow,

But as something that's over and done with,

And find himself a wife,

And raise his little fledglings

And just get on with life?

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