Bird in a Tree

A bird singing in a tree

brought to mind

something I’d read

a study on reciprocity

how bird-song calls

the plants and trees to bloom

and how plants and trees call

the birds to sing their growing song.

The clouds too soak up moisture

from the earth in order to be—

floating around the world

dropping rain at the earth’s request.

So too the sun must need the moon

(because in the night I need to remember)

the moon would be a floating rock

if it weren’t reflecting sun.

I saw a black creek yesterday

reflecting a cloud full of pink light

I needed to see that

for my growing up.

It needs me to see it too—

for there is light known

and metaphor is born

when I see the sky

reflected in the earth’s eyes.

  © Linda Suddarth, 2011

Bird in a tree; photo by Tony Russell