Owls

"I rejoice that there are owls," said Thoreau, 

and I must heartily agree. 

I rejoice that there are hawks and eagles, too,

those majestic circlers in the air. 

I rejoice in the robins that come with Spring, 

and cardinals that splash color on the canvas of winter. 

I rejoice in the chevron of red 

on the redwing blackbird's shoulder, 

and thrill at a rare glimpse of bluejay in the tree. 

I rejoice at the trill of a sparrow in the morning 

and the distant knock of a woodpecker.

I rejoice that there are herons

and hummingbirds, 

juncos 

and chickadees, 

in Jesus' name, amen.

(Image by Agto Nugroho via unsplash.com)