Two little grey balls of soft downy feathers, curled up together against the cold.
Dark eyes and all beak, in a feather lined nest, side by side, did as they were told.
Mother so beautiful, tightly clutched in her talons was the food they would hold.
Father stood guard to protect his young, always fearlessly, tirelessly and bold.
High up in the rafters, under the loft full of hay, the air smelled slightly of mold.
In the heat of the day the noises became wonderous and loud, it caused much fright
The shadows moved from floor, wall, to beam, then faded into the cool of the night
Soft downy fuzz turned to feathers and such, as the nest became much too tight
Mother and father beckoned come follow me, come little ones, come and take flight.
High up in the rafters, under the loft full of hay, anxious and restless they began to fight.
The Swallows and Sparrows would weave in and out, please come play they would all shout
The parents pushed the fledgling from the nest, they flapped their wings, cried and did pout
Dust dancing in the sunlight that peeked through the cracks, but still the tension did mount.
Smiles came and giggles erupted. Shear joy abounded as every flap of their wings did count
High up in the rafters, under the loft full of hay, the air was refreshing, they're flying no doubt
With flight on the wing, the nest all but gone, hunters they became, with plenty more to learn
Great birds of prey, fearlessly they foraged, but prey they can become their father did warn
They soared out the doors far beyond the trees, loving the freedom, no thoughts to return
Each went their own way, life was so easy, the warnings they heard were laughed to scorn
High up in the rafters, under the loft full of hay, for the warmth of the barn they did yearn
Many a morning other birds did gather for the stories and warnings their father would share
He taught of hawks or snakes, and of course of man with a gun or even how to spot a snare
Mother taught nest building, food gathering and hunting with the upmost alertness and care
If a squabble between Swallow or Sparrow ensued they listened to all to Know what is fair
High up in the rafters, under the loft full of hay, gave comfort and love, helped others to bear.
The Sisters of Pray did not listen to learn, why do you hear all sides they both said with a sigh
The two had agreed that the swallows were honest, but the sparrows, they felt told lie after lie
They sat high on their perch snug in their thoughts, watching their parents high up in the sky
They hadn't returned at first light nor all that day, they knew this had to be the last goodbye.
High up in the rafters, under the loft full of hay, the two had lost who they loved, and did cry
A disagreement began, the swallows did tell, the sparrows had no voice, they had to wait
One day high up in the hay a snake did creep, the sparrows did warn but it was taken for hate
The swallows did judge along with the sisters, until the hours had passed, it had gotton late
One sister was bitten, the other took flight, no longer a pair,what rash judgements can make
High up in the rafters, under the loft full of hay, warnings not heeded, and it sealed their fate
All need to be heard, loved, and comforted, misunderstanding will be resolved one day
But to treat others indifferent, turn your wing from them, or believe you are better at prey
The unrighteous judgements of one or a few can frustrates the Lords plan day after day
You may be called home to stand by His side, might get called home cuz you are in the way
High up in the rafters, under the loft full of hay, it is the perfect place to perch and pray
