Not Just Any Port in the Storm

 

It's no secret that I love my birds.

It was with much delight

that I ventured out around dawn one morning

to discover this first time visitor to my yard.

 

 

A Gray Catbird

(Dumetella carolinensis)

 

So handsome in his suit of slate gray,

and his little black cap -

even with a spot of jelly on his beak.

 

Not an uncommon species,

yet not common to my immediate habitat.

 

I am imagining he was on his way south,

just happened upon my feeding station,

and finding not one, but two, dishes full of jelly/jam,

decided to hang out for a spell,

restoring his strength for the remainder of his journey.

 

I remember when I first discovered Cape Breton

and decided I'd hang out for a spell' here, too.

 

Days ran into nights,

time stood still.

 

Seemed as though there was time for everything.

 

And while embracing the magic,

I took great solace in the wisdom of others,

 

 

while learning new things,

like hand applique.

"The secret of happiness is to enjoy the moment."

 

"In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous."

 

"If you have built castles in the aire your work need not be lost.
That is where they should be.
Now put the foundations under them."

 

"Dreams are the touchstones of our character."

 

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sail
so as to always reach my destination."

 

 

Perhaps my new bird friend

will return each year,

as did I,

and will continue to gain strength

to move on,

and

and find peace in his surroundings.

 

Life is fragile.

Reach out.