I give myself permission to escape
The incessant negative news of the world
The body aches and pains that intrude
The machine noise that steals my attention
To seek solace in the beauty of nature
Listening to the babble of a stream
Watching the dappled light and shadow
Hearing the birds call to each other
To find a wildflower in spring
A bit of color among the leaf litter
A sip of nectar offered to the bees
A signal in the sun under new leaves
To watch a bird construct a nest
Something anyone could see
If you care to follow their flight
When dried grass fills the beak
To catch a glimpse of a warbler
Flitting about in the underbrush
Or hidden in the forest canopy
Passing through headed north
To recognize the songs and bird calls
All the instruments of the avian orchestra
To appreciate this day brings happiness
When you take notice of the birds
