GIFTS

A year or so ago, I was reading the fables of Marie de France and decided to write one of my own:

The Red-Wing Blackbird and the Queen: A Fable

The red-wing blackbird six days spent 

in building well her bowl-shaped nest 

of marsh’s mud, wet reeds and leaves.   

About her loving task she went 

until ‘twas time for her to rest

upon the bedding she had weaved.

And then a wretched cowbird came,

And said, “Your nest is best I’ve seen!”

then talked and talked incessantly

about herself and her good name,

proclaiming she had rights as queen

o’er all as far as eyes could see.

Her Highness ended finally

and gave the blackbird room to speak:

“So, what is it you want of me? 

And what’s the bounty that you seek?”

To which the cowbird soon replied,

“An egg of mine within your nest!

Not much to ask of you,” she lied. 

“I’m sure you’ll do your very best.” 

The cowbird egg was laid inside

the blackbird’s soft and cozy bed

and hatched beside her other three,

but grew so quickly long and wide

it pushed its siblings as it spread

until they all fell fatally.

The queen was well-pleased with her deed

of ridding the world of other breeds

but to the turn of time, oblivious.

This fable shows what comes from those

unworthy of exalted roles,

who are but brood parasitics 

gladly killing their foes and critics.