a southern morning

[Thomas Winslow]

The local mouser a Tom named Tommy in an oddly unoriginal choice by the neighborhood families eats the bit of food that I always put out for local strays with his eyes on the woods across the street.

A Oriole imitates a broken wing spiral from the power lines above to surprise a  seven inch long grasshopper with a bright yellow vee on its back into becoming the birds breakfast.

Tommy notes this activity from a dozen feet away and becomes motionless.

The bird with a wary eye hops closer appearing to seek more food, ten feet ,nine feet eight feet, and in a blur a black flash with white mittens leaps from my porch as the bird effortlessly and nimbly flys to a low hanging vine across the street.

The woods which have been oddly silent since I came out seem to erupt with the twitter of birds all seeming to be joining in mocking laughter as Tommy as he in a sulk returns to eating from the dish.

 

I in spite of a boatload of things i should be concerned and worried about instead feel a genuine peace with the world in my heart just lounging and drinking in these sights with the warm air and sunshine of this southern morning.

[Travis Smith]

Thomas I am glad you seem at peace as reflected in this after the adventures you have been on.  And I really enjoyed this piece.

[Mike Handley]

Sometimes we get the bird, and sometimes the bird gets us. Glad to hear you've landed someplace safely, Thomas, or at least on all four feet.

[Cath Barton]

That's the thing - to take time to stand and stare. Good on you.

[Steve Gish]

Pausing long enough to take in the world around us can open up the greatest of inspirations. Tom will get his due next time!