We made a nest
to try to raise you right,
enveloped you with tissue
and fed you berries.

Did you die of loneliness?

My chirps weren't enough
and I don't have feathers
or a beak
to teach you that you belong in this world.

Did you die of a broken heart?

Calling out for mama
your chirps filled our home
for two days.

and for those days
I longed to be a bird
so I would know
exactly what you needed.

A bird's body next to yours?
Brothers and sisters
to show you that you're not alone in this world?

Baby bird
you taught me compassion,
to fly in another's skin
even if only for two days.