The Swallow Nest
the birds chipped away
an abandoned hive from
pests and settled
their home into
a swallow nest
perhaps there is a reason
I'm here with this ink
embedded
into my skin
I become more hopeful
as I’m watching
the swallow
mothering her kin
bring back something
for them to eat
a worm or
a bug,
even something
deserted on the concrete
I can't wait until the day
I see the baby swallows fly,
but are they ready
to leave their nest
and tell their
family goodbye?
- Leah Rae