The Court Of The Hummingbird

The furious beating of wings and the ability to fly backwards

I wanted to bring you

The treasures of my homeland

Gems of coal and red clay

Riches of rhymes steeped in forgiveness

 

I wanted to tell you stories

Of bright skies and blue mountains

Trees crackling with color

The scent of mimosa and honeysuckle

Hanging in the air

 

I wanted to give you a place

Of safety and respite

A river and a rolling sky

Crackling with thunder

Or redolent with sticky heat

 

You could have lived a thousand afternoons

Nestled in the ridges and valleys

Claimed your kingdom of magnolia and moonlight

All your wanderings ending at my door

 

Instead you haunt me here

Your clipped accent and mistrustful eyes

The business that never fills a single place

Stretches out like so many empty afternoons

The taste of water and burnt sugar

Bitter on my tongue

 

What did you glean from your gods

The ones who kept you rooted

I learned the lesson of the axe

Of fire and long journeys

The wisdom of never staying still

 

And now I am home, safe

Without you

 

-Zoe Richardson 

Author's Note

Only the hummingbird can fly backwards. Perhaps that is the secret to time travel...

Reviews

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you for affirming what I am slowly learning. And for your thoughtful praise.

[Chris Shaw]

Beautiful poetry. I was enthralled as I read your lines. Senses and emotions duly stirred. So much on offer, so much could have been gained, so much lost. He was the loser here.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Wow! Just wow. This is fabulous and I loved every word. I was transported down south to your home and enjoyed every single luxury of it. I could see the Spanish moss hanging in the ancient oaks and smell the magnolia blossoms. I love that smell too. The poor hummingbird must consume at least half his own body weight in bugs and nectar every day just to stay alive. But if he were feeding on words such as these he would be feasting befitting to feed his brilliant colors. Your words are dazzling. You have so much talent!

[Zoe Richardson]

I am positively blushing at your praise! I hope you enjoyed the banquet of imagery and feast on it to your heart's content!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and as humans, our emotions often fly backwards...and the pace gets overwhelming...
then we flap our wings so fast trying to get forward and go nowhere.
this is a gem of a write....

j.

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you! I didn't overlook your thoughtful comments. I've been crazy busy and just now sat down to sort out my writing!

[Patricia Wedel]

Magnolia and Moonlight… where dreams are kept for Arabian nights with Hearts ♥️ entwined .. Beautiful poetry.. tenderly, Pat

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you, Pat. The magnolias will bloom soon, and the air will be rich with the scent of magnolia and mimosa and honeysuckle. If someone would bottle that scent, I would buy it!

[Lisasview]

Great use of hummingbirds as a metaphor... So many wonderful hidden meanings.. I am going back now to read it agin..
Lisa, now in Spain..

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you! I appreciate how you find depth and meaning here. That is the gift readers bring to our words and I hope, as you read it again, you find new and different thoughts. I always want that to be my gift to those who take the time to read my words.

[Lisasview]

I have the exact same feeing about my poems... The problem is that many read but never review..
read moreI have the exact same feeing about my poems... The problem is that many read but never review..
As I am new to this I am finding out who's who so I know who to spend my time reading..As poets we all appreciate input..so we can move ahead...
Lisa

[Zoe Richardson]

They miss the opportunity to gift someone with the encouragement they need to keep writing. And that is sad! Maybe WritersCafe should start a system where you can give stars along with or instead of a review. So we know if we're reaching anyone.

[Lisasview]

What a great idea..
Lisa, almost 7 am in Spain

[M. J. Smith]

Well do I know the drifter's heart that could inspire and write such words. And there is a solace, a safety if being a rover. Well done.

[Zoe Richardson]

Sometimes you have to go far away to realize where you truly belong. I do not regret my travels. They brought me home again, with lessons learned. I've found safety not in running, but in returning to where I belong. Thank you for finding meaning in my words. I appreciate it so very much!

[M. J. Smith]

As I appreciate your reviews on my own work. There are times when I miss the road. Seeing new things, meeting new people... But families need roots. Children need stability. You are most welcome, my friend. Your work is very beautiful.

[Miss Sharon]

This is a very interesting write which I enjoyed reading. And I love these lines from your profile...(I practice random acts of insanity because the world needs some shaking up.) LOL Thanks for sharing. ~Sharon