Going out the doorway I catch sight of a bird
Marvelous black-and-white plumage ruffling
Calling in undertones I do not recognize
Perched so close I stop in my tracks, amazed.
Never in my life have I seen this unknown species
That would make for a special photograph
Capturing the moment to study and identify
If only I had my camera in this dream.
Going back inside to search for what is not there
Each room further from the bird left behind
Realizing the bird will be gone when I return
Flown away like time passing through.
Thinking about that strange bird appearing in my dream
As some metaphor holding meaning for me
As elusive as memories of events when we sleep
Dissolved into daylight as soon as we wake.
Three nights later I dream of yet another unknown bird
Looking closely at it as if to take a photographic memory
Noting the russet brown plumage with a white crown cap
Wanting to remember the exquisite detail in the morning.
These avian apparitions delight me with their appearance
Being a person who walks with binoculars at the ready
Carrying my camera hoping to catch a brief glimpse of motion
To record a moment of life among the light and shadows.
Such a welcome gift to receive such dream images
Though I have no expectation it will happen again
These poetical lifetime birds portend happiness
The way I see it, being on the cusp of a transition.
