Poetry / Writing

News From the Natural World: What Does a Bird’s Egg Know?

Catherine Flynn19 Comments

Eggs, the subject of today’s poem, seemed like a good choice for Easter weekend. The idea came from this episode of The Brain Scoop with Emily Graslie and Dr. John Bates of Chicago’s Field Museum. The form was inspired by Joyce Sidman‘s wise poem, “What Do the Trees Know?” from Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold.

What Does a Bird’s Egg Know?

What Does a Bird’s Egg Know?

To be strong enough to hold
mother bird as she protects
her babies from the cold.

What Does a Bird’s Egg Know?

The pattern and color to best conceal
each one from hungry bears or snakes,
maybe speckled brown or spotted teal.

What Does a Bird’s Egg Know?

To be the just right shape and size
for baby birds to grow and stretch
so wings are ready to reach for the sky.

Draft © Catherine Flynn, 2020

Société neuchâteloise des sciences naturelles via Wikimedia Commons

Other “News From the Natural World” poems:

April 10: Clusters of Clover
April 9: Song of the Pink Moon
April 8: Jewel of the Jungle
April 5: Phantom of the Forest
April 4: To Build a Nest
April 3: Apple Cake
April 2: Specimen
April 1: Forest Snail

19 thoughts on “News From the Natural World: What Does a Bird’s Egg Know?”

  1. Hi Catherine! I just have to tell you what a comfort your poems have been to me so far this month. Each one has been a delight. Happy Easter, dear poet.

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  2. Catherine, I love all of Joyce Sidman’s inspiring poetry and have many of her books, including, Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold. I love how you’ve been inspired by, “What Do Trees Know.” “ Your poem, “What Does a Bird’s Egg Know” is perfect for Easter. I like your rhyme, alliteration, and consonance. Love the last line, “wings are ready to reach for the sky.”

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  3. It is a wonderful poem for today, Catherine. I so often have thought how a bird’s egg is a little miracle in that it all works! Happy Easter!

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