Of Twigs and Willow Sprigs

(A "Hallmark" of Spring) Tucked into her twig-knitted nest a small sparrow sits preening her breast Shallow though her tiny head rises above it's rim to watch for any surprises No eggs yet as spring draws near though soon I 'spect some may appear Tiny ones in turquoise blue 'n brown nestled safely among branches around It must be a sparrow's truest delight in keeping her brood safely out o' sight tucked away 'tween a cradle of twigs of horsehairs 'n feathers 'n willow sprigs I'll measure my joy in spring's arrival by this young sparrow's enduring survival And I'll languish in nature's beauties with the watching of her motherly duties For soon will arrive tiny young squeaks squirming for worms with frail young beaks Fledgling little feathers from nest inside will blossom in spring once winter's denied But should I lament winter's leaving or the last fallen snow leaves me grieving I'll feed my sorrow from the marrow of this little nesting and pregnant sparrow (March 18 2016)