Apprentice to the Wind

As her flight feathers grew, the nestling tested her wings, reaching into the alluring air. Soon she dared to glide to nearby tree branches.

One bright day, she soared away. She dipped and turned over the lake, exalting in the susurrus of the wind. Gliding above, her proud parents watched.

Wheeling back toward the nest, the young eagle spied a thick branch, an ideal perch. Too fast! Talons gripping the branch, she swung till she hung upside down. She released her grip and fell, spreading her wings to gain height. The family nest was the better landing spot, after all.