one feather less
like a footprint left in the sand
i hold your feather in my hand . . .
an image begins to form in my mind
from this solitary feather you’ve left behind
i close my eyes
i imagine you soaring on currents of air
and if dreams could live, i’d join you there . . .
we’d sail in the wind, float on the breeze
view the world from the tops of the trees
i’d be one with your spirit, your strength and your sight
feeling your purpose, your wisdom, you might . . .
i’d revel in the glory of owning the sky . . .
on the wings of a hawk i’d ride the wind . . . i would fly
i open my eyes
like a footprint left in the sand
i hold your feather in my hand . . .
i feel the essence of your spirit like never before . . .
you with one feather less . . .
me with one feather more
“one feather less” by Sylvia Mattingly
Inspired by a feather that was shed and left behind by a hawk that nested in a giant oak tree just behind my house.
Revised: April 2, 2019
Written: November 15, 2011
Crooked Creek by Sue Mattingly 