One of my favorite aspects of fall is watching flocks of birds dance through the sky in synchronized motion.
So I offer this from the work of a grandson and former student, Aaron Hildebrand. You or someone you know could be like the bird in this poem. Let’s work to recognize the broken-winged among us and show grace.
Almost too easy to pass by,
Save for when it gives a cry,
Is the gentle presence of a bird.
Planted lightly in the ground,
It makes a faint yet shrill sound,
In hopes that it will be heard.
In the wind high above,
Sparrow, jay, quail, dove,
Soaring through the sky.
As if by chance or fate
This one bird must forever wait
Till eternity may pass by.
From the sadistic hand of nature
Has this poor bird been injured,
With wings so frail and delicate.
In vain attempt it tries to fly,
Not wanting to leave the sky
Now one bird more desolate.
To the surface it quickly returns,
So far away from what it yearns,
As close as it may seem.
Distant remain the fields of blue and white,
Henceforth destined to believe that flight
Was but a forgotten dream.
Such a. poignant, touching piece! I feel the bird’s yearning. Thank you so much, Nancy!
Thank you, Jessica. God bless!
Oh my heart!
Yes, mine too. Thanks, Linda. God bless!
On this busy Monday morning, this poem made me slow down enough to contemplate God’s wondrous creation!
So glad to hear that, Ava. Thanks and God bless!
Wow! What a powerful poem!
He has a gift. Thanks, Melissa. God bless!
Wow, such an inspiring piece. Your grandson painted a picture the eyes of my soul visualized and soared with!
He did that in a 40-minute classroom free-write exercise. He definitely has a gift. Thanks, Karen, and God bless!
Lovely. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
And it is a gift, indeed. Thank you, Debbie. God bless!
Reminds me of those long ago dreams, perhaps not forgotten, but so distant that they seem unachievable. Perhaps God has a different dream for us. Thank you for sharing this poignant message.
Thank you, Katherine. I’ve been pondering lately whether our wounds are God’s gifts to us–to give us compassion and ministry. God bless!
Beautiful and poignant. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Yvonne. God bless!
Just read this aloud to my husband. We both agree it’s a sad account of this bird’s life. His brokenness has kept him from his purpose. But even in this, not a sparrow is overlooked by our Heavenly Father. The same is true of us.
Thanks, Marcie. That’s such encouragement! God has a purpose–even in our wounds. God bless!
Your grandson is gifted. This is poignant, beautiful, and moving in its simplicity. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Melinda. You’re so right. It is the wise among us who can recognize what it is to be wounded. God bless!