AERIE

           by Emily M. Parris

Eagles build an aerie
High up in a tree
When they intend to mate
And begin a family

Pine branches and grass
Make the nest very soft
For the eaglets that shortly
Will live there aloft

In early spring the eggs are laid
The mother keeps them warm
While the father brings food to her
Staying nearby ready to warn

After thirty days or so
The tiny eaglets hatch
With their scrawny fluffy feathers
They don't seem much of a match

For their regal parents standing there
With a proud and noble beak
Who are able to soar upon the wind
For anything that they seek

The tiny babies look so helpless
Disheveled and forlorn
But for a noble future
The tiny eaglets were born

Both parents are now very busy
For their babies are hungry each day
To find sufficient food for them
They both may fly away

The eaglets grow and stay within
Their nest up in the air
Stretching their wings and growing
Plucking out soft downy hair

But soon they are ready
For a life in the air
And the happy proud parents
Are standing right there

The mother eagle pushes them
Gently out of the nest
For with her motherly instinct
She knows it's for the best

They fall and in a state of shock
They somehow find their wings
And they learn of flying as
The air beneath them sings

They fly because they are eagles
And soaring high is their fate
For the glorious life of an eagle
Is a fine and noble estate





Copyright 6/2/93 by Emily M. Parris