I know it seems incredible.
But I’m finally on a first name basis.
With hermit crabs.
Iguanas.
Herons.
Pelicans.
Horses.
Roosters.
Swallowtails.
And I just met a new bird today.
Atop a cactus commingled with a Pain Killer Plant.
There she sat.
She sang a tune.
Yellow bananaquit.
Black tail plume.
She offered me her trill.
A tour round where she flies.
But since we leave tomorrow,
I thought it most unwise.
How unfair to meet new friends.
Then turn around and leave.
When they’ve no wifi, home address
for letters to receive.
The only thing to do.
I mean it most sincere.
Is to tell each with hopeful heart
that we’ll meet again next year.
Lynn Benjamin
January 28, 2022