Have you ever seen a scarlet tanager

sitting on a tree branch

soaking up the sun

on a warm spring day

resting on his journey from South America

his bright red down suit

like Daredevil's

shining in the sun

black wings waiting

to fly again

north for summer

How can a bird so small

be so majestic

fly so far

make you feel so much awe?

 

I saw him today

in the little patch of woods

by the office park

out on Blanchard Road

Condo complex to the east and south

Highway to the north

Shopping mall to the west

City wants to sell it

for more condos

 

This time next year

where will the scarlet tanager

stop to rest

as he flies from south to north

and where will I walk

every afternoon

to see the beauty of this world

before it's gone for good

 

© May 15, 2008 Terry Kitchen