Time for last chick to leave the nest...

The wind disturbs the blossoms Adorning the apple tree, And I hide amid their petals Hoping nothing will notice me. I’ve had to leave my nesting box, And the Earth looks far below. My heart flutters in my tiny chest, Mum tweets ‘It’s time to go’. I’m the last of this year’s fledglings And I am full of fear. A bumble bee comes flying past, Looks, then buzzes softly in my ear. ‘Aerodynamically, I’m an anomaly, Technically I’m too large to fly. But I’ve never let that deter me,

Now, chick, it’s time for you to try. Simply take the leap and flap a bit, You’re well equipped for flight. Your feathery wings aren’t just for show,

They’ll take you to great heights. Now I must get on. I’ve pollen to collect, And you need to be on your merry way. Watch out for cats and thunderstorms, And enjoy your maiden flight today’. With that, the bee buzzes out of sight And once more I’m on my own. That bee was right; I’ll take my chance — I don’t want to be alone. My mum and dad cheep encouragement, I free my feet and fall out of the tree. Then flapping like the clappers — I fly! And defy the laws of gravity!

mrs anita bass, Theydon bois, essex.