A magpie

just old enough to fly,

left-wing dragging on the branch

where it was born.

 

Its siblings,

one by one

leap from the nest,

caught by the wind.

 

The magpie is nervous

cautious

its tiny talons reach the edge of the branch,

weighed down by its faulty wing.

 

Nonetheless

it ruffles its feathers in preparation

because there is no other option.