her blue shell crumbled beside her,
exposing an overwhelming world unknown...
encased in towering walls of straw and brambles,
allowing her to see, not explore.
as darkness fell, fear overtook her,
snakelike shadows wavered below,
razor-sharp talons flashed in moonlight,
piercing howls rang through trees...
days were knowledge,
she was enlightened by brilliant sun,
that night was not everlasting...
snakes turned into latticework branches,
talons suddenly disappeared,
howls were replaced with a red cardinal's song.
little robin's feathers grew with wisdom,
she was ready to soar.