FEEDING THE BIRDS
For as long as I can remember something
I have always done,
And, by doing it, a great deal of pleasure
I have always won,
Going to a lake of any size, be it very large
or even rather small,
There feed the ducks and seagulls and
any other birds who call.
Saving crusts and other scraps and even
using new bread too,
Off the family would go to throw food
until all the scraps were through.
I remember as a very small child holding
bread in my hand,
Hoping that a seagull would swoop down
and on me land,
I seemed to have no fear as they took the bread
then flew away
Time and time again but never landed on
me a moment to stay,
Until one icy morning alone to the small lake
I went on my bike,
It was in view of our house and I knew no fear,
this I did really like,
For I did not have to rush because the adults
had things to do,
I wrapped up warm against the wind, ducks
there were just a few.
But there lots of birds stood shivering and
came right up to me,
A seagull hopped on my hand and a duck
came right to my knee.
For a moment as a four year old I felt
just like a queen,
I wished for a moment that a few other
people could have seen
That special day when the birds and I
became as one,
And I thanked God for the moment in prayer
when the day was done.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson 4 May 2004