You’re a topsy-turvy,
upside-down eater,
a sleek seeker of seeds,
my little nuthatch friend.
You cling tail up
to the green metal mesh
and poke around
for a sunflower seed,
but you find none
because I failed to fill the feeder.
By the time I bring my bag of seeds,
you have flown.
I unhook your empty pantry and
pour in a waterfall of seeds.
Rushing,
tumbling
sunflower grains,
shiny dark
speckled with white,
they pile up,
a feast for the feathered.
Before I can rehang the feeder,
you dash in
with a flash of wings,
and I freeze.
The feeder dangles from my fingers.
For a moment, you perch,
topsy-turvy, upside-down,
then snatch a snack
and dart away,
wings waving.
Sleek little beak-down clown,
you are brave to come so close.
Did you think I was a flower?
I’m wearing blossom pink—
not my favorite color,
but maybe yours?
Whatever you thought,
your presence was a compliment.
You made my heart glad,
and I thank you.
– kh –
Nurture peace, cultivate kindness, and carry the calm.
Nature of the week:
Shadow of the Week:
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Text and photos © 2023 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.