the bird freed from the woodstove

Once upon a time they lived as always in this fine house.

There was a sound, loud like a spirit, from the room and then clearly from the woodstove, empty in the heat of Summer.

It seemed to be a mouse, then thought to be a bat and the large net was gathered to trap it for release.

All but one left the room.

The animal turned out to be a small bird, obviously traumatized from its attempt to escape back up the creosote coated flue.

Held for a while outdoors, gently preened it flew away leaving a small feather.

the end.

forgotten art

odd how creativity can fall off the path. A full year's cycle and so much has past. Back once again to the peas and the fences.
funny how in an instant transformation happens- the heat of a few days stretching lilies and filling out grasses. An afternoon's quick hail storm shaking everything loose.
Fruit and seeds grow. Flowers bloom again.