between the window and the screen

Year after year she returned

Making sure the rip in the screen was still there

Her doorway to her lair

She would repair and remodel

Spruce it up and then leave it

Spring came around and she would too

She would fuss about

Making the floor comfortable and the sides strong

Making sure it was secure

Between the window and the screen

Summer

The nest stayed empty

Fall

The nest stayed empty

Winter

We didn’t think about it all

Spring arrived again

And she was back

Pulling downy feathers from her breast

Bringing flowers and grass to cushion the eggs

And now, three little birds

And now we get to watch

And see our little friend

Her preparations paying off

To raise her children

In the nest between the window and the screen.