“C’mon down, Robbie.” Harriet’s soft voice was barely audible.

Farther along, on the same branch, Harry, the hairy woodpecker, edged closer to Robbie’s nest. “You guys should get out while you can. Don’t you know there’s crows around? We got out a couple of days ago and they’re still hovering near us.”

“Naaah! They wouldn’t bother me. I’m big and tough. See how tall I can be?”

“Brother Ryan left the nest this morning. I guess I’m next. Not sure what these little guys are going to do.”

“Roberta’s not looking too happy, but I think Ross will fly out with me. See him right here next to me. He’s ready.”

And in fact, that’s just what happened. The big goons left little Roberta alone in the nest, crying her eyes out.

Then finally with one panicked PEEEEEP, she leaped down out of desperation and flapped her wings with all her tiny might.

And a new adventure began.

****

It’s crowded in the old homestead

With only one small room,

Roberta being tiniest, 

Her outlook full of gloom.

 

When Ryan flew, the other boys

Just couldn’t wait to leave,

Roberta stood there all alone

And all she did was grieve.

 

She called her mother loud and clear,

She called her father too.

They heard her but said, “Berta, dear,

You know it’s up to you.”

 

“It’s so far down and I’m alone

With no one helping me,

I do not want to die so soon

By falling from this tree.”

 

“Just take a leap,” her mother said,

“And flap your wings like mad.

Your other option is to stay 

And be forever sad.”

 

Roberta plucked her courage up,

She shrieked and then she leaped,

She flapped her wings and on the ground

She fluttered, “Peep, peep, peep!”

 

With happiness and wonderment

At being on the ground,

Roberta blinked her eyes and said,

“I’m happy to be down.”

 

“My whole life lies ahead of me.

I have to do my best

To make it last a long, long time

Before my final rest.”