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
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