The message is clear —
there’s time for what you need —
There’s time for you to nap on the shore
when the wind is boisterous
and the waves contrary
and the journey is too long for you

There’s time for you to tuck your head
and gather strength. Your parents
will wait and stand guard
while you sleep

Heir of grace,
you will be guided
through these ungainly times
before your white flight feathers.
You are every bit as loved
in your gray garb
as you have always been,
as you will ever be.
Months will deliver you
into your splendor,
but now you can take
all the time that you need.

©Wendy Mulhern
July 14, 2016