Alone, the female cardinal

stands among the scattered seed,

but does not lower her head to eat.

She stands and looks and waits

then turns and flies away.

I wonder if our human tension

has spread now to the birds.

                                                    JDG

For a species that likes to know

or likes to think it knows,

these are challenging times.

Facts and faces are covered

and eyes, even from a distance,

reveal an unmasked fear.

Perhaps this is a chance

to take an evolutionary leap

and find wisdom in not knowing.

                                                         JDG

Seeing that large turtle

make its way across the pond

reminds me of the time

my young granddaughter asked me

if I thought he’d mind

if she hitched a ride.

I smiled then and I smile now

as that question makes its way

 across the waves of time.

                                                             JDG

Tried a new bird seed.

Even the squirrels made it clear

it was not to their liking.

One small bird stood and stared

as if to say, “What were you thinking?”

I drove my granddaughter

to three different stores in search of seed

and this is the thanks I get? Puhlease!

~

Poetic update

Two mourning doves did stop by

and dined undisturbed

by squirrels or other birds.

I knew there was a reason why

I have a fondness for these guys.

                                                                  JDG

Male cardinal carries a bit of seed

to his waiting mate and gently

places it in her open beak.

He does this four times,

then flies off as she lingers

at the rail and eats.

                                                          JDG

Wrapped in gray, the day

comes to a gentle close

whispering words of welcome.

Come as you are. Greet the night.

Let yourself be held in its dark embrace.

Morning will come soon enough.

                                                                  JDG