I wish I was a better photographer of birds. This one was taken with my phone out of my kitchen window. I wish you could see the red crown, but I do like the profile and how you see that sharp beak.
This tree is a satsuma tree that succumbed to the freeze this past January. I’m grateful we haven’t taken it down, though, so this beauty could come visit.
I’ve been taking an online poetry workshop with Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. One of her mentor texts was a poem titled “Romance” by Timothy Liu. I borrowed the opening line for this poem.
Renew
There is nothing renewable
about the frozen satsuma tree,
unwieldy branches outside the kitchen window, grey with age, dead from winter’s storm.
Yet I see a small downy woodpecker tapping
the old tree’s skin, jump-tap,
jump-tap, searching for insects to eat.
How I search my fractured memory
for signs of my mother, holding comfort
of a long life lived,
given over at the right time
for renewal.
Margaret Simon, draft
Please consider writing your own small poem inspired by this photo. Respond to other writers with encouragement.
Reflections on the Teche 
Love all you shared here Margaret, and the voice of your mom tenderly tucked between the branches—reminds me of her piano playing, thanks.
KEEP LOOKING
Bramble ramble
Satsuma branches
hold treasures
even after its life has expired—
Delectables for downy woodpeckers.
Find purpose
in all parts of nature…
Michelle Kogan, draft
Thanks for writing. I love the mantra of “keep looking” and how we can always find purpose in nature.
Love that beginning – bramble ramble
Agree!
Michelle, your “delectables for downy woodpeckers” is precious. Yes, to nature doing its part even after death.
I love how observing the scene outside your window brought you to memories of your mother, Margaret. Nature’s healing ways.
Satsuma branches
play hide and seek with hungry birds
pecking for a meal
I borrowed your hide and seek!
Thanks, Rose, for writing with me today. I love the playfulness of your haiku.
“Hide and seek” is a great image for this bird in the tree.
wonder is hidden
between satsuma branches
yet found by your heart
Thanks for writing today and finding wonder in the branches.
yes to wonder!
Nice follow up to Rose’s hide and seek. So deep. “Wonder is hidden” and “found by your heart” Both such lovely images.
Margaret, thank you for the photo, your description, and your poem. I’m watching a red headed woodpecker out my window right now too. It’s pecking at a Joshua Tree. Your poem with the reminder of your mom is so poignant. These are my favorite lines: “holding comfort / of a long life lived”
Red crown
Sharp beak
Smart profile
Downy youth
Hidden in the brambles
Feasting on vermin
Thanks for writing. I love that you are also watching a woodpecker. I especially am attracted to the larger red headed ones.
I like the rhythm of your poem, Denise, and its strong image. I can close my eyes and see it.