For The Bird of Paradise at My Window

You were a sly symbol of the suave emotions,

tempting me to metaphors I never liked, until the

hummingbird flew up and, haltingly, purloined

your nectar. You two together reminded me of

something outlandish, of birds in Eden and barber

quartets, of reptiles embracing in nethermost time,

or, as the hummingbird twitched in mid-air, the

unique accosted by the bizarre. Who do I have to

thank for seeing you in submission, worldly

flower, so suddenly before me through the glass?

by Lawrence Bridges