The winds of change are icy cold

as I leave the warm, prickly nest

and try to fly.

I leap from the knee-high perch

flapping with all my might.

My still-moist, undeveloped wings fail me.

Thud and roll to a stop.

Shaken and shivering, I determine still to fly.

I run as hard and fast as my legs can go

and frantically flap my wings.

The wind is swift and icy cold.

Gravity won’t release me.

Exhausted, I crumble.

Looking back, the nest looks warmer and softer

than it truly was.

But I can’t climb even a knee-high tree.

I must go on.

Alone and vulnerable,

walking on the cold forest floor,

I meet predator after predator,

each posing as a friend.

I run to them for shelter and comfort,

but they hurt me

so that I’ll just go away.

I am on my own.

Exhausted, cold and afraid, I huddle

in the cleft of a tree stump.

Shivering, I put my wings over my head

to protect me as I hide.

I cry out to God - a weak and pitiful cry,

"Please help me fly!"

The wind stops.

The Son comes out.

He cradles me and comforts me

and bandages my wounds.

He tells me He loves me.

I tell Him of my struggles and failures and pain.

He says, "Now that you’ve found me,

you’ll never have to walk on the ground again."

His gentle hand lifts me into the sky

higher than I’ve ever been before.

He says, "Spread your wings."

I obey.

A warm, inviting breeze lifts me up and I soar.

I am an eagle.

Rebecca Montalbano, 1999