[open] stare down at the wonder of it all

Lena

and sweetest in the gale is heard
and sore must be the storm

Finding the bandages she’d require for later adornments and replaced gauzes, the youth placed them near the enclosure gate, next to a secured box where she often put supplies ready for next intervals. Another trace of a smile lingered, for eternities, perhaps, at the gratitude of bondeds and their companions, at the way everyone seemed to find a place. She did muster a laugh at the notion of the fledglings though, a brief, soft sigh following, mockingly tired, for she’d never toss off the youthful creatures and their antics. “Especially when they’re together, and each have different elements.” She’d permit Falke to dream up and fathom his own conclusions on that forefront.

The inquiry hastened to her for a moment, causing the briefest tilt of her head, losing focus on re-supplying, and more on the inquiry. “I’m not sure I have a favorite. Each one is a blessing in their own way. They all have a purpose.” To live and live and live, and then feed into the cycle of life and death. “Do you, from all the animals you’ve seen?”

that could abash the little bird
that kept so many warm