I Went Looking for the Hummingbird

I went looking for the hummingbird today

among the grass and honeysuckle on the hill behind the house.

I had seen it there on other days flitting among the blossoms

dipping his head from its helicopter hover

to drink a nectar I can smell but cannot taste.

While I waited in the tall grass beside the fence,

he darted in to take a drink,

but flew a circle first to check the scene

then settled into a quiet hover

turning slowly in the center of the little clearing

until his gaze was fixed on me.

My breathing all but stopped to keep him there,

but he knew I didn’t belong.

This was his place… not mine. 

It was I who had to go.

I clutched my pride and walked back up the hill

knowing that without invitation I had come too close.

I watched from a greater distance

aware at least that I had been acknowledged.