That Bird

That Bird
 
It appeared out of nowhere
that bird
 feverishly flapping its wings
 pumping
faltering
aiming
for distant clouds
 for higher altitude
for a sentinel branch
 
a welcome rest
with a better view
 
I know how it feels
that bird
 
joy plaiting into
wind sprawls
weaving trills and songs
into jasmine air
 
just like
that bird
 

 
 
by
Barbara Helvey Hughes
2012-2016, edit 4-17-2019/9-29-2020
Photo by Jackie Helvey