Who knew – the simple habit of watching birds can change your life! And it’s not just about the joy. For me, at least, it has also started to subtly shift how I see reality…

RECENTLY WHILE BIRD WATCHING  

far from being outside observers

            like them 

we eat drink pee & poop

            procreate to finally fall to earth 

dissolving into undergrowth

            dust to dust

embraced embodied

            we join our crew

far from being outside observers

            like them 

we bust out in song

            our chests swell with zing & zang

of arteries full

            filling air with music of our presence

as we squabble & bitch

            flirt & follow build our nests

feed & fight for beloved brood

            with beak & blood   our very breath

far from being outside observers

            like them

we learn to loosen clawlike grip

            from snip snap 

plastic fakery 

            to relaunch into thermals

on invisible wings or perch

            among arboreal arches 

in gladness still or loud 

            to look upon this world of ours

far from being outside observers

First published in Queen’s Quarterly, March 2025; part of debut poetry collection ‘Dear Planet’ to be published by Fidessa Literary later this year.

photo: Philippine Hawk-Eagle

photographer: Paul van Wijgerden