Killdeer Cunning

By John I. Blair

A killdeer couple
Decided one day
To build their nest next
To a busy walkway.

They arranged some rocks
Most tastefully
And laid four eggs
As pretty as could be.

All day they took turns
Sitting on the eggs
Fluffing up their feathers,
Folding up their legs.

And when puzzled pedestrians
Strayed near the nursery
They guarded their nest
With avian artistry.

Each would fake a broken wing
With a pitiful cry
And the audience never guessed
A nest was nearby.

Now how many of us people
To protect our progeny
Have pretended what we’re not?
v I know it’s true of me.

©2002 John I. Blair