And Then There Was One

Spring has arrived with warmer days,

bringing hope of what is to come.

The birds that winter in New England,

begin a flurry of activity once more.

As the days have stretched into April,

warm weather birds return to nest.

Each day brings more and more species,

to watch with a heart filled with joy.

They fly and scurry here and there,

finding what will make a warm nest.

And once again the air is filled,

with beautiful songs as they work.

First, come the Robins scratching the ground,

searching for worms, insects, and grubs.

Then others will fly north to join them,

the Grey Catbird, Scarlet Tanager and more.

Soon we see Chickadees, Bluebirds, and Swallows,

filling the skies, trees and backyards.

They make all the days seem brighter,

even when spring rains come along.

But this year something was different,

something did not appear quite right.

The Mourning Dove pair that lived nearby,

did not come by together this time.

One lonely Dove sitting on the wire, 

or searching for seeds on the ground.

We were hoping to see his partner soon,

but she was nowhere to be found.

One morning he was sitting on the bird bath,

crying out with his mournful cooing call.

It became apparent with a heavy heart,

he was mourning the loss of his mate.

And then there was one left to wander,

knowing she will not return.

I hope to awaken one sunny morning,

and find a new mate by his side.