Wings of Love

Nature's ways remind us
Of the love from which we come
Often showing us beyond a doubt
This love will not be outdone.

Some time ago a forest fire
Raged an infernal flame
Through Yellowstone National Park
Shaping a message that remains.

There in the midst of ashes
A Ranger discovered a sight
That he would never forget
For the remainder of his life.

The charred corpse of a bird
Sat perched at the base of a tree
Disturbing the Ranger who felt
This sight was eerie to see.

Gently the Ranger stepped closer
To move the bird with a stick
And from under the dead mother's wings
Scurried three tiny chicks.

The loving mother instinctively knew
Toxic smoke would kill her young,
So she protected them with her life
Out of love for her little ones.

Because this mother was willing to die,
Those under cover of her wings lived.
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© Viola Doncaster, May 1, 2001.