The Gift

 

A Pelican feather, lying in grass
at my feet. Immediately look up,
as if that bird might be circling
still mourning its loss.

Snatch it up, careful for its
fragility. Hug myself, it is
a gift given freely, meant
to be treasured.

Feathers are symbols of truth:
light enough to float forever,
yet able to carry an entire life
along whatever path it chooses.

Think of our current leader,
who everyday, mocks truth
inherent in the word
Democracy.

Would pluck this gift
from our grasp,
leaving us  unable to freely fly
wherever life might take us.

Elizabeth Crawford  4/7/2018
Notes: Pelicans are a symbol of buoyancy, the ability to dive deeply to find sustenance, then rise swiftly to float and feed at the surface. They are large snow white birds with a black hem on their wings.

Both images are my photographs taken at the mouth of the river.

Posted at Waiting on Words: Word for Day 7 is Feathers
https://claudetteellinger.wordpress.com/

Note: Have been writing here for many years. Didn’t realize when I posted this, that I’d already used this title, on another poem. It is a very different take and form, but in the comments section I relate why I see feathers as gifts. If you are interested, the poem is located here:  https://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/2014/01/19/the-gift/