A Bird In The Hand

Early yesterday morning a young Greenfinch got into the house but despite two sets of French doors being open, it could not find its way out again.

I heard you

long before I saw you

fluttering.

 

You looked so

out of place

high on the rafters,

so afraid.

 

I watched you panic

and try to leave

through that closed skylight,

bumping the glass

as you tried

to reach the sky beyond;

I tried to calm you,

coax you to me.

 

Get you to trust me

even though you saw me

a monster,

but you were simply

terrified and trusted

only flight.

 

The effort left you

exhausted and,

as you alighted

upon my window sill

to 'catch your breath',

I calmly took my chance,

cornering you

behind the delft blue vase.

 

I reached softly

from right and left

and took you gently

between the cupped fingers

of both hands.

 

You didn't struggle,

your delicate frame

felt  so fragile,

so soft,

so innocent,

as I scooped you up,

took you to the open door

and opened my palms

in joy as you took to the air.

 

02/09/19

Author's Note

Reviews

[Nolo Segundo]

I believe Jews have a word, 'mishva' [not sure of spelling], denoting a kindness done to others. I believe being kind to animals also reveals a soul seeking the Light-- nicely done.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I rather think the bird gave me joy. Many thanks Nolo.

[Karmee]

Birds are beautiful and mysterious in their ways, This is wonderful as well as beautiful. So nicely written

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you SK it was a moving moment in time.

[DAH]

This poem opens with a solid introduction, almost startling. And then this:
"I reached softly
"from right and left
and took you gently
between the cupped fingers
of both hands" __the gentleness here is like devotion, a blessing, and it works!

There's so much joy in the closing lines.

I love this!

Bravo, John!
DAH

[John Alexander McFadyen]

It was a wonderful experience to be able to help it. Many thanks DAH.

[DAH]

My pleasure!

[wordman]

sounded almost like a metaphor for a woman

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ha, ha, trust you Ron. Twas a true description of what happened early one morning this week lol. Many thanks.

[wordman]

you`re welcome

[nazia]

Poor little bird, fragile and scared.
Freedom was the best thing that you could have offered.. Its worth more than anything.
Well worded :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed it was and I am happy to have helped it on it's way. many thanks for reading and commenting.

[Penlady]

Dear, dear freedom! An ending exactly as I hoped would be!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed it was a relief to see it fly off over the hedge. Thanks for reading.

[Kesch (Finding Julia)]

Poor little birdie, well written write

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Think it was ok as it flew away strongly. Many thanks Kesch.

[Kesch (Finding Julia)]

not a problem sir

[Dave Brown]

John, you always seem to have a hidden agenda that my simple mind fails to grasp, but taking this gentle happening at face value, it is a helping hand we have also offered many times.
I am always mildly disappointed these soft packages don't do a return thankyou loop before they disappear
Very nicely presented

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Sorry Dave no agenda, simply as it happened. I do do observational pieces as well as deeper, darker and sometimes erotic or passionate and angry pieces lol. Many thanks for commenting.

[Chris Shaw]

Poor birdie must have been terrified. Wonderful that you managed to help it gain its freedom again. Lovely nature poem. That's what you call a win, win situation. The fragility of this little feathered friend came through nicely in your words John.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes and all before I awakened 'er indoors' with her morning cuppa!

[Chris Shaw]

Appreciation all round I am sure. I get a cup of tea in bed as well sometimes. Always do on the boat if not at home :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ah my other half gets her tea delivered Monday to Saturday, I get one most Sundays.