An ekphrastic poem inspired by a mural by Ernest Doty.

————

Not quite a home-stead,

Not quite a morning vigil site,

But it’s there, perched on

Another East Bay

Oak tree branch.

Little rainbow

With a beak

And sharp

Taloned feet.

Dressed in yellow, brown, grey

Mismatched colours

Borrowed from the spectrum

On its feathers,

Stripes of ivory

Tip its long tail.

Small bird face veers left,

Distant western stare,

Attention averted from

The eastern sun rising slowly

Over Oakland Hills.

Gradual change from night to day.

Thick wisps of white float over the vibrant

Jade horizon

Nearby trees as cool post-dawn fog—

The painted lumber fence

Facing MacArthur Boulevard traffic

Shows this idyllic scene,

Transmits a message on nature’s purity

Without the need for language.

By Dee Allen.

From: United States

Website: https://www.conviction2change.com