When days are dreary
far flung from what I’d planned;
when the rain clouds hover then pour
seemingly
over only my head,
even then can I
find my way into a smile.
The rains come more frequently
now, nearing summer’s end
summoning this last
eruption of blossoms.
And the bees’ activities increase
to almost a frenzied pace,
in anticipation
of the birds who’ll come to feast.
Today the rain came again.
Heavy showers
washed over the flowers
of our coral honeysuckle plant,
giving them and the working bees
much needed quenching.
Rinsing everything
preparing too
for the coming guests
and gone once everything was wet.
The advance guard came
numbering two
seven days ahead of the flock.
Today I see
they’re present in great numbers
tasting flowers
flitting amongst the bees.
Delightful hummingbird, puff of energy,
wisp of a creature,
come again this year
to feed on honeysuckle nectar,
then dart up between drinks
to rest
on the neighboring tall, pine tree.
Theirs is a mission
far greater than
their collective size
and borne fully
in the tiny mass of each one:
They come to inspire and
remind us what God does
—any of us
willing and able to see.
My smile today is for noticing
this sacred simple dance in nature
and recognizing that I see
because my clouds slowed me down
impeding my progress in one area
directing my attentions
toward these other important things.
©2009 by Shari Lynne Smothers
