Paternity

 

The mountains beckon

The rivers gurgle in glee
My wanton feet quicken
‘Ere they prepare to flee!

The eyes stealthily pry
For the accidental witness
That could expose my lie - but
None challenged my fitness

The relief within whistled
As the next stone landed
Near where the birds nestled
The mother left her kids stranded

I climbed the mighty tree
The tiny ones in the nest
All but belonged to me
For I had just won my quest

I peeked inside the birds’ home
When a blunt bolt hit from nowhere
I fell, my head a lightless dome
The father bird had a menacing glare!