Defiance

Rushing about in the morning darkness
The cold reminding me it is still winter
The clock ticking reminding me to hurry
And television news reminding me of an imperfect world

When suddenly I hear a lonely chirp
Could it be?

I stop and hold my breath, nothing
I mute the imperfect world, nothing
I listen and hear only time
and wonder

And when I've had enough of the wondering game
I hear another chirp and another

Like water in the desert
My heart consumes this little bird's chirping
And suddenly,
A storm of emotion
I missed the morning birds
Their cacophony and clamour
Their constant company for morning coffee
The grand excitement they create for the day

And I think to myself, Winter, you have stayed too long
Though you are necessary in the cycle
It is time for you to go
Return to the north and take with you your sister the cold
Make way for birds
For things new and green
For warmth and friends
For laughter
Make a way for rebirth

Later, as I make may way to the frosted car
My breath condensing into tiny clouds
I whisper a prayer for the brave bird
Facing Winter alone, in the dark morning
As I scrape the window I am curious about this brave bird
Where did she get her strength? Her Courage?
Because now I'm reminded
Of the exposure deaths of Indian men in town
The one found behind the hotel,
the one in the field,
the one near the road,
The one lost in the snow

And here is this bird
Death defying bird

As I make my way back to the house
Leaving my car to warm
Walking careful not to slip on the ice
snow crunching under foot
I marvel at this bird
This fearless messenger

I cannot wait for tomorrow morning
and the mornings to come
Come spring!
Come summer!
And replace the ones winter has taken
With things new and green
With warmth and friends
With laughter
With rebirth