cared for by Piedmont Wildlife Center 2010 - 2023

I try not to impose named shapes on clouds

but today I did high wispy cirrus

writing quill lying on a blue table

primary wing-feather

next the swan unafraid of heights

and long swimmer’s torso head hidden in blue

perhaps an olympian wind-milling their arms

the writing quill changes into a boat

floats something like two coat hooks

which on second sight transform into an owl

reminding me of Otus the Eastern Screech Owl

who like me

stretches wings in evening light

my words I hope

not spat out like an undigested pellet

James Finnegan

Sun Jul 7th 2024