Backstage (Standing Room Only)

The birds I heard today, which, fortunately, did not come within the scope of my science, sang as freshly as if it had been the first morning of creation. - Thoreau

as i was shoveling this morning at daybreak

continuing to grow old

despite the frigid cold

a day and a half of powdery snow

near blizzard conditions

you chose to return

singing a blessed aria

under the spotlight of a prodigal sun

same as it's always been since precious time was begun

you, i could not see

i knew not where you were

but i could hear you loud and clear

so i knew that you were near

probably on the wooden stage of some nearby tree

and that was more than enough for me

Author's Note

"This is the only bird whose note affects me like music. It lifts and exhilarates me. It is inspiring. It changes all hours to an eternal morning." - Thoreau