A lone dove sits in a Hemlock tree
Outside my office.
The young dove has been there for hours.
Watching me – I watching it.
Doves mate for life and live in flocks.
No mate – no flock for this lone dove
And no mate for me either.
We sit watching each other – both alone.
I feel sad for the dove being alone.
Dove surely must be sad too.
What happened to your flock?
What happened to your mate?
A new snow has fallen –
Evergreen branches draped in white.
A small Junco snow bird lands close
Spreading cheer and warmth – company.
Snow bird flits to a feeder
As if to beckon – come with me.
Lone dove drops to the deck roof –
Picking up seeds from feeders above.
Don’t despair lone dove.
You will find
A dove to love.
So will I.
This poem first appeared in North Carolina Bards Poetry Anthology (2024).
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Terry VanNatta is a mechanical engineer retired from designing John Deere Equipment. He has been a competitive distance runner for 50 years with world rankings from 5k to marathon. He is currently a running coach, artist, poet, blueberry farmer, master gardener, commercial pesticide applicator.
