Garden Umbrella Poem by John Mackinnon

Garden Umbrella 18/8/12

I have been blind
For far too long,
Too long blinded by the shade
Or by the shelter
I have placed
Above my head.
I should be looking up instead
And seeing with my ears.

A family of birds
Has grown
In this last year
And yet unknown to me
So full I've been
Of wasted words
And pointless fears.

If I climbed high enough
I know I'll find
Their nest or nests
So built with time
But I am happy
Just to be
In company now
With them
Beneath this tree.

And knowing we are near, apart,
I learn to listen
With my heart.