The Inspiring Orioles

I had seen orioles

a few times before,

but never imagined

they would show me

such memorable spectacles.

One spring day,

while washing utensils

at my kitchen sink,

I looked out the window

and saw a pair of them—

flying in and out

beneath the giant leaf

of the great bird of paradise.

Over the next couple of days,

I noticed a nest forming.

It took time to finish—

a hammock-like den.

The female sat in it,

while the male waited nearby

on the jacaranda branch.

She warmed her eggs.

He kept watch over her.

At that time,

I was battling infertility.

And I found vicarious joy

watching this devoted couple.

One day, I saw

a pair of chicks!

They looked at me

with curious eyes.

And I gazed back,

softly, lovingly.

Then one day,

they flew away.

The nest stood empty.

But the oriole pair

had taught me

precious life lessons—

about companionship,

hard work and patience,

A few years later,

after much discipline and healing,

I had my own two chicks.

Years have passed, but

I still cherish the orioles.