Bringing it down

LATE SUMMER AFTERNOON

            for Pastor Ron Marshall

She lands on the white pine bonsai,

a female robin as we watch from kitchen table.

Soon joined by her mate bouncing the limb

adding joy to our meal. Karen grabs her phone

for photos, then sees she's injured.

He leaves and returns as we wash dishes.

For two days we listen to his calling

as he returns with food, beak filled

with worm, being emptying his grief-song.

Karen's love knows this suffering.

I found the bird under the half-moon maple.

Karen knows the child's need for ceremony.

I understood nothing until

I had been reduced to writing.

            Jim

            8 July 2019