Out of the Mouths of Babes

 

I was visiting some friends yesterday,

and when it was time to give me a ride home,

the mom was trying to coax their 6 year old whirling dirvish

to go along for a ride so she could have a little break.

 

"Does she have a dog?"  "No", said the mom.

"Does she have a cat?"

Again, the response was "no".

"Well, does she have a bird?"

 

The dad piped up and told the little girl

that Karen has lots of birds.

So, in anticipation, she climbed into the van

and off we went.

 

When we arrived at my house only minutes later,

their were 5 or 6 tree swallows

putting on the most amazing aerial show

above the meadow where their houses stand.
 

The American Goldfinches were lined up on the thistle feeder

their little bright yellow bodies

just popping out against the verdant backdrop

of firs and spruce that form a half circle around my feeding station.

 

Robins were hopping from tree top to tree top,

and although we couldn't see them through the foliage

that lines the sides of my property,

the Yellow Warblers filled the air with their song.

 

Without saying a word,

she climbed out of the van to take it all in.

Right on cue, a little Song Sparrow hopped right up to her

for a more thorough inspection.

Little people are not a common sight in my yard.

 

Hands on her hips,

she looked up at me and asked,

"What happens to all your birds when you are gone?"

I explained that my housemate stays all winter

and feeds them for me.

 

"How does he know which ones are yours?"