Sunday, May 2, 2021

take notice of the birds

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