ritual

 ritual

feeding time finds us here

pouring hibernation seed overflowing

into bird feeders once again

emptying the grains at the bottom of

bread bags and crackers onto the

ground

 

william the nuthatch is back

his markings reminding me of a tacit butler

polishing silver between his quick wings

i greet him by name and he stays nibbling, watching

while i harvest still-green tomatoes before first

frost

 

when he taps his beak five times

against the feeder, i sit and

fully return his gaze

both of us soaking up this blessing

of presence, attention before

winter

 

ls 10.23.20