Today is a set of notes: notes from nests, from days spent paying attention, from what is around and within.

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Nesting Notes

Today’s NaPoWriMo prompt is inspired by Robinson Jeffers’ poem “Ocean,” where he delivers an almost oracular, scriptural description of the sea not just as a geographical phenomenon, but a sort of being – old, wise, profound, and able to teach those who want to learn. Our challenge is to write a poem in which we describe something that cannot speak, and what it has taught or told us.

The Nest on Lease

It was tiny, oh so small,
I wondered how it would fit them all—
when those eggs snug in a cradle of vines,
framed by frail jasmine, were eggs no more.

Each day I asked — “Will I see you today, or not?”
Each day you answered from that same spot —
still here, still holding mama’s pearls.

Somehow it fit those fledglings four,
a tight squeeze for cuteness galore.
I wondered if it knew its treasures.
Despite the ever-growing ring of leavings—
it was a lovely landlord,
with an unseen “pardon the dust” sign,
holding firm — edges strained,
wind tugging, the world pressing in.

It did not break.
One morning — one gone; then two, then all,
their last mark that rim of life — no longer nidicolous*; the sky now theirs.
When I peeked — a shape of absence,
only silence perched in its hollow,
worn, but whole.

It told me nothing.
Still, I understood —
to hold,
to let go,
and stay.

~ Vidya Tiru @ LadyInReadWrites

*Nidicolous: staying in the nest for a long time after hatching; the homebody chick still figuring out its wings.

Notes on Nests

Note: See the nest’s photos here – where I first tell its story. For me, this nest was so much in parallel to our own becoming empty nesters at the time, and it did teach me a lot. Now, my son is back home so empty nesters no more!! Kind of like that new nest that comes back each year –

House finches often return to proven sites. So perhaps in a few weeks this year, this jasmine frame leases life again (source).

More notes (source):

• Overhead-shelter-loving, near human activity
  • So my jasmine vine cradles with overhead shade = perfect
• Female solo build: 3-7″ open cups of twigs, rootlets, leaves, feathers
  • Rang true for I never saw the male
• Messy rim classic: Nestlings back to edge, drop fecal sacs and more offerings
  • My “ring of leavings”
• Guarded construction: Male watches while she weaves (5-8 days)
  • I might have missed this – maybe one of those birds that kept flying away when I opened the door (in this post)
• Multiple rounds: 2-6 broods April-August, often same place next clutch
  • I am hoping they return this year (I saw the nest last May)

Now This: Set of 13 Notes

(Note: Not Musical Ones!)

• Nagware: software that persistently reminds you to register or pay; that clingy app that won’t take a hint.
• Natter: to chatter idly or gossip cheerfully; words meandering with no destination but much enthusiasm.
• Nesh: unusually sensitive to cold or discomfort; the person reaching for a sweater in mild weather.
• Neoteric: modern, new, or recent in thought or style; the cool kid word for “fresh.”
• Nihilarian: one who deals with trivial or worthless things; curator of the inconsequential.
• Nidificate: to build a nest; homemaking, bird-style, or obsessive rearranging of throw pillows.
• Nippitaty: particularly strong ale or liquor; the kind that makes you think karaoke is destiny.
• Nodus: a knot, tangle, or complicated situation; where your plans tie themselves into pretzels.
• Noctambulist: a sleepwalker; midnight wanderer with zero recollection.
• Noodge (or nudge/noodge): someone who pesters or nags; a gentle nag… or not-so-gentle.
• Nudnik: an annoying or tiresome person; professional-level pest.
• Nudiustertian: relating to the day before yesterday; because “two days ago” needed flair.
• Numinous: having a mysterious, spiritual quality; that spine-tingling brush with the ineffable.

Not so New Books: My Nest – side Reading Notes

• The Name She Gave Me by Betty Culley (Teen and YA). Heartbreaking novel in verse about a teen with a heart condition searching for her birth family and sister.
• Nature’s Remarkable Partners by Leslie Bulion, illus. Robert Meganck (8 – 12 years). Wild poems for two voices reveal symbiotic animal partnerships (goby + pistol shrimp); ideal nature poetry for kids.
• Neshama by Marcella Pixley (10 years and up). Bullied girl talks to ghosts, finds strength therein. A haunting verse-novel for all those feeling different

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, which of these words or books caught your eye today? Have you ever watched a nest up close – seen it fill, empty, and somehow endure? I’d love to hear your stories, favorite words from the letter ‘N’, or what you’re reading next. Do share in the comments!

I am linking up to A-Z, Blogchatter, UBC, NaPoWriMo, and to Thursday 13

And you can find all my A-Z posts (this year and previous years’ as well) here:

A to Z Challenge Posts