STILL HERE

There is a sparkling jewel
Adorning a winter barren tree
Behind a bench in Kinsey Park
Ensconced with the names
Of best friends engraved on a plaque

I imagine they used to meet here
Talk about life
Good days, bad days
Watching red squirrels scurrying over branches
Robins and woodpeckers calling nearby

Someone hung this hummingbird jewel
In the tree behind the bench
A memorial of sorts
I look for it often when I come here

Today I came to walk
Serenaded by spring sounds
As bluejays, cardinals and chickadees
Sang from the woods

I'm thinking of those I have lost
Just this week, my sister
And I listen for the birdsong
And look for the hummingbird jewel

For signs there is still life being lived
To assure myself she is out there
In the great beyond, having a brilliant day
Free of pain and suffering

Yes, the hummingbird is still here
Thankfully, sparkling in the sunlight
Through the branches
A tribute to the best of friends

3-12-25 Kimberly Mackowski