The Red Bird
You’re the bright red bird,
living your life between the drab, the invisible grays,
the olive browns, the flaxen blacks… the beige.
When you land on a branch
all eyes sweep to you. You are first noticed, first seen,
causing shouts of joy, hearts beating wildly, as you preen.
More camera shutters click,
in your direction, more lenses focus on your face,
as you yawn, not caring about the fuss you make.
You wear your color well,
delighting all who see you, for every year you travel far
and every year I sit, watching you, just admiring who you are.
Karima Hoisan
Nov. 9, 2020
Costa Rica
*Footnote: the Summer Tanagers arrive in Costa Rica in October. They have traveled thousands of miles from Canada or the USA to get here. They travel by night, a mile high above the trees. They return to my yard every year and go back to the same place from where they left. .We are privileged to enjoy them all winter, until March when they leave and go back. Some baby birds are only 3 months old when they make this trip. Isn’t that amazing??? Mashallah!
Digital Rabbit Hole 
Beautiful and also amazing! Thank you for sharing them.
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Their journey, one can only imagine, ahh but when they first land again..It is a time of rejoicing! It is hard to live in Costa Rica and not love birds…we have over 900 different species here.. They surround us..Thank you Dale for commenting.
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It really is amazing, MashaAllah ❤️❤️❤️ Very beautifully written Karima, such lovely words to describe them. 💛🌺
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Habeebity, thank you! It bring tears to my eyes, when I first see them, I know they have traveled over oceans, hurricanes, such hardships to make it back to my yard. Really, it is a miracle of life, I am blessed to enjoy every year, alhamdulillah!
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I do can feel your emotions of love, happiness and tears in your eyes for these beautiful beings. It is indeed a miracle ❤️❤️❤️😊
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So beautifully picturized in your poem, Karima. Felt I was there, all ready with my Canon… Lol. Beautiful picture to go with it. Stay blessed, beautiful💕💐
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Thank you so much, dear one, for your comment. Really, it is a time to feel so happy and blessed when you catch a glimpse of them , the first time..and they they stand out..front and center:) Nature is so amazing and so healing and full of awe!
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Yes I completely agree. You actually complemented my poem as well, which I posted today.. ‘Magnifique’..where I wrote about embracing the beauty of this world. Nature is truly healing. I’m so glad our thoughts resonate on many topics!!! Be blessed.. 💐❤️🥰
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And you and yes.. we have overlapping poetic consciousness:) Be well and inspired!
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Beautiful, beautiful, Karima.❤️ What a lovely bird, and just as lovely story. Wow! 3-months old. Amazing. 🙂
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Thank you so much Jeff, the tanagers and orioles really are amazing,,,,and think of the hummingbirds that migrate! Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds weigh only 3 grams, and yet they cross oceans and continents to arrive in their winter homes. It’s so amazing,and always a time to feel happy when we spot them back in our yard..
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Mmm. Wow, how lovely. 🙂
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These little creatures are not only entertaining, they invite us to think/talk about anything and everything.
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Oops Nat, Thank you for your comment! I totally forget to send the reply:) Oh yes, they do make you think about the miracle that is Life. If someone asked me a hummingbird could fly to Canada from here? I would think they were crazy…and yet…… Life IS a miracle!
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you wrote it so well. I could imagine it. keep up the amazing work:)
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Thank you so much for leaving your comment..I appreciate your feedback!:) 🌺
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The pleasure is all mine:)
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What lovely thoughts Miss Karima. The shutter clicks on this bird more than the others. The same thing happens in the homo sapien world. Could it be that you’ve always had ornithologist leanings?
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Papi…gracias por leerme tan temprano! I have had those leanings always..remember my raven stories..my odes to vultures, my parrot:?) Glad you enjoyed!
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So amazing. Beautifully written as well
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Shokran gazeelan dear Fatema…so happy you enjoyed it and yes; their journey is incredible mashAllah!
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