I discovered them when they were hours old

Exhausted from leaving their tiny blue shell

With their bulbous unopened eyes and naked bodies

They were a far cry from pretty

But beautiful all the same

They contain a promise of sorts

A contract that assures-life will go on

Each day I come

Take a quick peek

Coo gentle words

Snap a photo

I have gathered quite the following

I know how this will play out

Fluffy down covers them

Then feathers made to fly

The nest becomes a cramped space-too small for three

They will sense my approach

Open their mouths wide for nourishment

And perhaps feel the sting of disappointment when I do not deliver

But one day they will eye me warily

And keep their heads low

And maybe start to recognize me…

Our daily appointments continue

With short chats and reminders to stay safe

Until the day I find the nest empty

I will mourn their departure 

And wonder if they ever think of the large flightless bird who visited them in the nest.