With its curved claws,
a goldfinch pins
a dandelion stem
into the grass.
Then picks precisely
and delicately
at the tops
of dandelion tufts;
extracting the minute seeds
that might have been
carried on the wind
by petite silver parachutes.
Wearing a small black cap
to match tuxedo wings,
he now stands at the edge
of a common mud puddle.
to dip his orange beak
for a bird-sized sip of water.
A joyous yellow bundle
eating and drinking the afternoon.
© 2018 Richard Havenga
Photo Locations:
Fallasburg Park - Kent County, Michigan
