Flight Delays

Peek-a-boo! Spring’s in view. Now someone tell the sun!

It’s shivery BRRR without any fur. My feathery down just won’t do.

“Momma!” I squirm for a slippery worm. A feast for my beak and my belly!

With twinkling eyes, a springtime surprise, Mom says, “It’s your turn to learn!”

“To fly?” I replied, butterflies tumble inside. I must delay such a terrifying feat!

PEEP! What a hunch! Could a slithering lunch hold things up while I try to hide?

Mom snaps up a crawler, CHEEP! CHEEP! with a holler. EEEK! That took no time at all!

Nestled in tight, I say PHOOEY! to flight! Mom’s patience grows smaller and smaller.

So I CHEER-UP! CHEER-UP! Deep breath. I gear up for the plunge, diving into the unknown…

I FLIP-FLAP-FLY sloppy, floppy in the sky. I shine! And, Mom starts to tear up.

Story by Jen Anyong

GIF created by the very talented Allison Strick