Hatchling

Gliding by,

I spot

a small hatchling,

taking

its first

small steps

in this

world.

I wonder

after its infancy

of its life

will it grow

and raise

its own brood,

waddling

their first steps

along this same,

peaceful river,

or

will it join

the cycle of life

while

it is yet young,

sate

the appetite

of a creature seeking prey?

It endeavors

to find

its place

in this world,

before,

unguarded

as it is,

harsh,

cold,

nature

consumes it.