Patricia Saunders wrote this poem.
The birds will fly over the volcano
By Patricia Saunders
I want a paean to you
a tribute
to your radiance
in the early morning hours
when sunlight touches
the banyan tree,
stirs the koa branches
bringing shy forest birds
from the mountains
bearing gifts for you.
Take these azure skies,
this cold coconut juice
to pour down your
sleep-parched throat, taste
these fresh papayas,
this wild honey.
I want all of this
for you alone.
I know, as well as anyone,
the vast canyon
between expectation
and waking reality
and I will soon learn
about your many
other lovers
but not yet! not yet!
let them remain
oceans away.
While your eyelids stay closed
no treacheries can fall
from your lips,
this little boat will not drift away
from its rotted pier;
the forest birds will fly
over the volcano.
What a lovely poem! This is a gentle, heartfelt call to mindfulness. In addition to the savory tropical island details, it reminds all of us to observe the beauty around us, and be grateful for the present. Well executed, and an excellent pick.
Gidney! Thank you for your kind words, dear friend. I miss your poems.
Patricia, I found myself dreaming with you. I believe the title of a poem should induce us to read the entirety and
“The birds will fly over the volcano” does exatctly that.
Thank you, Sharon! Please excuse the long delay in replying; I had noticed your kind words.