Watching a Hummingbird

From the moment you awaken to the songs
of birds outside your window,
you flutter around with a radiant energy.

You fly down the stairs and bounce of the sofa
where I lie down, barely awake.
I whisper, “Good morning, sweetheart.”

You tug my hand and pull me out of bed,
rushing me toward the front door.
“Come on, Auntie!” you sing.

Outside, all I can do is watch you
as you run around flapping your arms
like wings under the morning sunshine.

You pause only to smell the flowers,
breathing in the deep sweet aroma
to satisfy your boundless energy.

I tell you to hush and watch
as a hummingbird perches on a newly
blossomed lily to take in its sweet nectar.

A grin spreads slowly across your face;
silent, no words form on your lips
as you stare in wonder and awe.

And then, as quickly as it came to us,
the hummingbird flies away
in search of other gardens.

One day, sweetheart, I know you will fly away, too.
And I can only hope with all my heart
that you find your way back to me.

"This will certify that the above work is completely original."
Jennifer Parks