Heart knows
when it's time to leave the nest,
spread wings
and fly.

The nest is soft,
rounded, warm,
but wings can't fold
for too long
or pleats make lines
to mar the colors forming.

The air is cold in early spring
or late fall,
yet feathers ruffle in the wind,
feel the breeze,
test for lift,
then muscles flex, and
Oh the glory of that first moment!
as wings burst into the air,
soar above,
watch horizons shrink,
find new space
to be-
and with that power,
and surging joy,
turn at last
to look inside
for a newer mirror,
see brighter feathers,
stronger flesh,
love their beauty,
and determine
to stay free
from what binds too tightly
near or far.