Flying Lesson

I just saw three chickadees stun themselves,

Mama Bird watching from the patio post,

hopeful their wings and their wisdom would coincide

with the air.

They collided instead with the window I see through now,

fateful  glass a barrier to their flight and freedom

impeding the discovery of their birdy selves as

creatures made for God’s pleasure and my joy.

My husband’s kind hand cradles the weaker of the two

as he attempts to restore the feathery treasure.

Gentle, he tips his palm slightly as the spindly claws

cling to this sure place.

At last a tentative hop! to the railing

and he rallies while we hold our breath.

I turn and look back—the bird has flown.

I marvel at the miracle of flight

and ponder the power of a gentle touch

and a sure hand

and the patience to push us

out of the nest to see if we can fly…