IN THE FOREST

Photo by S. Auberle

This morning

a chickadee lands

on my outstretched finger,

looks at me

and, I think,

pronounces me okay.

This was while walking

thinking about my sins

so--a few prayers for absolution,

a little penance and

I start all over again.

As the nuns used to say

after my tarnished seven year old soul

had just been to confession:

remember, child,

if you're hit by a truck

on your way home tonight,

you'll fly straight to heaven...

hope there are trees and chickadees there.

- mimi