renewed hope

finally the head of the osprey female

showed above the high side of the nest

to give me hope of the survival

of this pair that has come each year

for a decade to ritchey road

weeks ago we watched the male

at work reinforcing the sticks and daily

from then perching near or flying off

as though for food for a family we

could not see and were concerned

had not survived the spell of nasty

weather that came down on them

not long after we were sure their eggs

had been laid for the next generation

momentary

tall osprey fledglings now

two slender necks and shoulders

show above the rim of the bulky nest

stoic, stalwart male on the bar above

keeping watch, waiting

that momentous time is soon

when one or both young

will spread enormous wings

to swoop or fall as parents,

helpless to aid, look on

i can only wonder if in hope.