Miracle of Flight by Phyllis Hemann

A baby bird flaps

an awkward beat

of wings, chaos

in an ordered world,

one, two, thirty-three,

no amount of grace

allows for feathers

laced over muscle

and hollowed bone

to rise outside

this uncoordinated dance.

Spectators in the brush

stare from the brambles,

ridicule efforts

to fly

all the while

standing still.

Some remark

with predatory instincts

on the failure to lift-off;

others transform into fear,

waiting for the fall.

Hopping

onto the tree branch

and undulating wings

to the pulses of sound

flowing through air,

a spectacle of nature

is necessary to rise

into the clouds

or crash in the grotto.

The chick repeats

this leap of faith

with no regard for success,

training muscle memory

for the strength

to soar.

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Phyllis Hemann grew up reading and telling stories. As a child, she scribbled poems with crayons. Now she writes her own for children and adults. She studied creative writing and theology, and holds a M.F.A. from Antioch University Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in newspapers, journals and anthologies. She is the author of THE INVISIBLE HEROINE (Finishing Line Press). She lives in Arkansas with her family and their goofy dog. Find her online @phyllishemann and phyllishemann.com.