You were fluttering against the house last night Seeking shelter from freezing rain When I stepped out to gather ice-encrusted rosemary You let me gather you in my hand I could not discern that you weighed anything Like air itself made animate Brilliant red cap Brighter than any Valentine’s rose Ruby-crowned Kinglet A title that carries resonance Not worm-eater or named for some long-dead human But Little King with a glowing crown Sovereign, curious, resilient, lightning-fast I see and greet your kin on most days I am sorry I didn't have a collection of tiny spiders and gnats for you I offered you basil and valerian seeds The smallest I could find And a dish of water And you slept in a box at the foot of my bed I wish I had taken a picture of you sleeping A perfect borb A standing sphere of fluffed feathers With head tucked inside. I worried about you a little But when I peeked in the morning You flew through the tiniest crack to my window As if to say I am ready Though again you allowed me to gather you up I might have kept you until the ice melted But you would not have it A king cannot be kept in a box Even a little one And so I took you outside Hoping to take a picture before you left But you would not have it And you were off Over the roof To seek sustenance amid the morning thaw But then I remembered I have your picture Captured by Jean Immortalized in watercolor This Valentine's Day began encased in ice Then softened into melting Brightened into sparkling sun Might that be a metaphor? I see meaning everywhere these days Thank you, Little King For the gift of your presence For sharing this moment in time with me. 2-14-25
A few photos from my morning walk, after setting the Little King free.
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My own gift was a simple siting of a red headed woodpecker in my eastern white pine. Thank you Mark ❤️❤️❤️
I so love this story! Warmed my heart as you warmed the little king until he was warmed within…💗