cocoon

her exquisitely crafted cocoon

of twigs, moss, mud and grasses
could not protect her delicate eggs
from the ravages of a marauding raccoon.
...
this is what i found in our garden
this morning.
i had watched mama build her nest
for days,
eventually laying her clutch
and keeping them warm for two weeks,
until this.
my heart goes out to you dear mama.

ahead

hurry, we've got to stay ahead of the others.