Killdeer Con

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Yes, Dad,
I will follow you.
Away from nest,
Away from harm.
Doing what you
Always do.
Drawing fire
With false alarm.
Chattering ill
To catch my ear.
Shivering wing,
And staggering rear.
Feigning weakness
At the threat.
(Beast of prey
Or fowler’s net.}
Yards and yards
From panting young.
Comically,
You lead along.
‘Til the risk
Is neutralized.
Then the burst,
The wing, the skies.

(One of the unsung Fathers: When I worked at a steel fabrication plant, the killdeers were plentiful in the yard. The fathers would often put on the diversion show in front of me, even as I operated a large and noisy Lift Truck. Some gumption! Their distinctive cry a delight...killdeer, killdeer.)