Last year’s spring came warm and early
To the Algarve, Long legged sheep
Grazed on deep green; lambs, with
Blue eyes and whiter than the woolly
Clouds that drifted across an azure sky
Baaed. Yes, for some truly a beginning
To remember

Three, fledglings sat on the edge of their
Nest, flapped their wings tried to fly
Cheered on by a mother who was tired of
Feeding them. Two flew simultaneously and
Landed safely on the ground, a dangerous
World for them, chirped and flew to safety
On the nearest branch of an olive tree.

The third one hesitated long, then flew
Too far and landed in an ocean of a rain
Pool where it quickly drowned; a feathery
Fluff on muddy brown. Its mother swooped
Low across the pond and sorrowful thrilled,
An elegy, while nature hummed a song of
Ever lasting love.