The small bird stands at the brink of the nest

Fragile and afraid

 she sees the cold hard ground, the jagged rocks of disappointment

far below

 The harsh cries of the eagle of uncertainty echo

overhead

 She feels the sanctuary of the nest

behind her

holding her back

 The strange aroma

the stench of deceit

or the unknown smell of the

fear of flying

 She looks

ahead

 and sees

the promise

of the sunlit horizon

 She launches herself into the future