
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!






