Who said it was safe?

Cover your eyes,
newborn bird.
Don't try yet,
to unfold your tender wings.
it is too soon,
there is danger out there.
Wind and rain and hail...
bitter angry words spat by those
who don't think before they speak.
For now, would you let me keep you,
tuck you close under my arm and
shield you from this cruel world?
Some say it is better to drown
newborn birds to hide them from harm.
but I refuse to push you away, like others have.
you are so dear to me...
you have shown me strength beyond comprehension,
shown me that fighting is better than falling quietly to one's death.
We depend on each other,
hands wrapped tight in the others,
pulling each other through the tar and ash
that spills from our mistakes.
we pull through,
gritting our teeth and fighting together.
What kind of fate brought us together?
what kind of twist sealed our fate
as sisters?
Who am I to question.
Just know, dear one,
that you are beloved to me,
and I will forever fight for you.
Until one day,
newborn bird,
you grow strong enough
to fly.