When living....

When living in the city I noticed the birds

How they'd run across the street when a car was coming

Wondering if, faced by peril, they momentarily forgot they could fly.

The pigeons downtown seemed like miniature versions

Of the mass of people rushing to their next destination

Nobody seemed to notice the feathered ones

And the feathered ones just scurried amongst the feet of those above

Often pecking at the nearest shoe

Oblivious of the dangers

Intent on the task at hand

I hardly ever saw one of them fly

Perhaps a few outstretching their wings 

To intimidate another that came close

And for those that took flight

It was only to land two feet away

When living in suburbia I noticed the birds

Happy to see they remembered their wings

But saddened that they seemed to have forgotten

How to relate to one another

Watching a V-formation

Look more like a squiggle in the sky

Each aiming to be in the lead

Living in the country I noticed the birds

Happy to see they remembered their wings

Excited to see them following their natural inclinations

Watching how they work with wind currents

Instead of fighting against

Listening how they speak to, and warn, each other

As they understand we are all here together

I wonder if we do the same
Forgetting to use our full potential

Forgetting the importance of interconnections

Forgetting to follow our instincts

And instead choose to stay in our comfort zone

Thinking we're safe where we're at

When in reality the dangers here 

Outweigh those there

~ ~ ~ ~

I finally understand the value of interconnections

And am just discovering my wings
 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And yep, I live with my eyes to the sky