Alpha Male and Grace

photo by Jack Heniford (1947-2015)
Grace

It comes when you’re not looking. Has been thereBefore you noticed. Blazes forth betweenThe hickory’s new leaves, their tender greenMassy above you flopped into a chair,Hot from the garden, with an aching back.Two phoebes flit from tree to eave to treeFeeding the tyrant nestlings you can’t see;You watch them labor, mind and body slackThen among bobbing boughs a flick of red!Binoculars have leapt into your hand,Swept the green shapes and fixed an active blurThat moves—moves—lights in focus as the windPushes, 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.