Anna’s Hummingbird

 

Anna’s Hummingbird

On this careless planet
little Jacob shouts I found a bird!

I warn Jacob not to touch.
I tell Jacob it’s an Anna’s Hummingbird.
Fluffed, huddled on gravel over tiny feet.
Jacob says Anna’s vibrating. She’s cold.

I tell Jacob a hummingbird heart
can beat a thousand times a minute.
Mine too.

Our kickball game forgotten.
Can’t you do something?

I take off my shirt, slip it under like a gurney.
Anna flutters, makes faint peeping noises.
She’s scared!

I carry shirt and bird to the carport, bunch the
fabric like a nest, place under a lamp for heat.
We’re trying to help you, Anna.

She lies on her side, feet outstretched.
He who could never sit still, crouches.
Get warm, Anna.

I could tell him. I don’t.
But I’m shivering, I want my shirt back.
Jacob whispers as if blowing into tiny lungs
Breathe, Anna!

Heat lamp glowing, tenderly he waits.
Our hearts are slowing, spirits growing.

…..

First published in Sheila-Na-Gig. Thank you editor Hayley Haugen.
Photo by Julie Martin