It happened in an instant- br the wild wind whipped br and the trees tossed their leafy hair br like teenagers br at a rave party. br br It was over in minutes - br but the results were catastrophic! br Trees fell, br roofs lifted, br roots sprouted from clay, br like a Dali birthday cake. br br Later I ventured into the garden br (tidy too after recent endeavor) br to assess the damage. br br Then I saw it - br a tiny bundle of twigs br that lacked the randomness br of the rest. br A perfect sphere of sticks, br carefully chosen br and woven... br br By whom? br Was it an old home br abandoned years ago br and dislodged by the wicked wind? br br Or was it a more recent affair - br an unfinished br cradle awaiting br the nudge of spring? br br I picked up the nest br with tears in my eyes. br br How humbling - br to witness nature's beauty and her terror br on a single day.