This was inspired by an abandoned wren’s nest in Catto’s garden honeysuckle and by these lines from Emily Dickinson’s “For Every Bird a Nest”:
For every Bird a Nest —
Wherefore in timid quest
Some little Wren goes seeking round —
Wherefore when boughs are free —
Households in every tree —
Pilgrim be found?
Perhaps a home too high —
Ah Aristocracy!
The little Wren desires —
Perhaps of twig so fine —
Of twine e'en superfine,
Her pride aspires —
The Lark is not ashamed
To build upon the ground
Her modest house —
Yet who of all the throng
Dancing around the sun
Does so rejoice?