Editor's Review

The early bird cuts short dreams and sleep For more hunting and scavenging hours.

By Shem Onderi

It departs with the blanket early,

Very early for the day.

The early bird cuts short dreams and sleep

For more hunting and scavenging hours.

In the nests, there is less comfort,

Well aware that other birds will catch the worm.

Predators, too, target early risers.

In the early hours of the day, it is usually cold,

So the early bird survives the morning freeze.

Sometimes it drizzles, with little sign

That the sun will shine.

In the early morning, the bird knows where to hunt,

Where the food droppings are fresh.

Early morning, sometimes, other birds may not wake up;

They fear being eaten by others,

So they catch more sleep.

The early bird sings praises and hymns

For a better day.

Then it leaves the nest

To go make the day worth remembering.

It eventually catches the worm.