Sunday Morning

A Hummingbird Spoke To Me One Day

Years ago, one summer

I came upon a little hummingbird,

no bigger than my thumb.

As it fluttered about a flower

in search of sweet nectar,

I stood, frozen in time, and

was mesmerized by its grace.

I'm not sure why,

or what compelled me,

but I ran inside

to get my brother's BB gun.

As I raced back to my prey,

I did not think

of my actions, or

of consequences, or

regret.

But only of the thought,

"I wonder if I can get it with one shot?"

At that moment, it turned to me

as if to say,

"What a beautiful creature.

so full of life, and

love, and

compassion.

It is a wonderful day to be

alive!"

But I did not listen.

Instead, intent on my mission,

I aimed, and

pulled the trigger.

And in one thoughtless moment,

a tiny lifeless body lay before

me.

I am now thirty- eight years old.

And since that summer of my youth,

A thousand memories and regrets

I have.

And one that haunts me still

is a small one.

If only . . . I had listened with my heart.

Dee Dee Brough