The Raven's Fallen Child

I need something to distract me from my thoughts
My dangerous, unforgiving thoughts.
So I run out the door and into the park
Where dozens of happy children play
With their moms and dads

I need somewhere quiet
So I veer out of the park and onto a side trail
I need to avoid them
The memories
All my wonderful, horrible
Memories of you

As I walk along the trail,
I see a nest in a tree
just off of the path
It is empty
I am about to walk on, but there is a noise
I glance around

A baby bird is on the forest floor
Staring forlornly upwards at the empty nest
I want to help it, but fear I will break
its seemingly fragile wings
A shadow fills my vision
It is a fully grown raven, perched on the branches
high above the young one's head

The little bird caws happily, recognizing its caretaker
Its mother
The raven stares for a moment, and
Then flies away
The little baby bird stares after it,
its black eyes deep and broken
If I could look into its soul, this is what I imagine I would find

Mommy! There you are!
And look, you've brought food!
You came back, safe and happy
Just like I knew you would.
Help me into the nest now,
Mommy, 'cause I fell
Mommy, why do you look like that?
You really don't look so well
Mommy, where are you going?
I need your help right now
I want to fly on my own
Believe me, but I don't know how
Mommy! Don't leave me here!
Don't leave me! Why?!
Don't leave me, Mommy, please!
I'm sorry I can't fly!

I run with all my strength
away from that little bird
And as I run, I let the tears fall freely
from my face
I can't stop the memories of you, of me, of us
I can't help but wonder why you left
Wonder in what ways was I not good enough
I can't help but feel that
I am the raven's fallen child

Don't leave me, Mommy, please
I'm sorry I can't fly.