The day —

unseasonably warm.

The sun —

a smudged, pale disk

winking

through atmospheric haze.

How did he see it?

Suspended

within erect vertical grays

of leafless limbs?

A fibrous tea-cup

extended

in the slim tree’s

thumb and forefinger.

In offering,

in invitation

to sip

the echo of Spring.

–C.Birde

“Autumn’s Nest” — C.Birde, 12/15