Alpha Male and Grace

photo by Jack Heniford (1947-2015)

Grace

It comes when you’re not looking. Has been there

Before you noticed. Blazes forth between

The hickory’s new leaves, their tender green

Massy above you flopped into a chair,

Hot from the garden, with an aching back.

Two phoebes flit from tree to eave to tree

Feeding the tyrant nestlings you can’t see;

You watch them labor, mind and body slack

Then among bobbing boughs a flick of red!

Binoculars have leapt into your hand,

Swept the green shapes and fixed an active blur

That moves—moves—lights in focus as the wind

Pushes, and full sun strikes him breast and head.

It flares, it flames out. Scarlet tanager.

"Grace" by Judith Moffett from Tarzan in Kentucky. © David Robert Books, 2015

photo by Jack Heniford (1947-2015)

Post Script:

Julie is back at the manor and doing very, very well.  Thank you for all your prayers.