Gathering Moss

Blackbird's pecking in the pond,
filling her bill with moss.
She shifts and compacts it
to allow for more.
It's the best kind,
damp, soft, supple.
She looks satisifed
by her own competence.
Perhaps she's already carrying eggs,
feels their warm weight growing.
She will make a good mother,
confident, reliable.
Her young will hatch
to her tender touch,
and her yellow-billed lover
will sing.

© Celia Warren 2020