Thursday, October 02, 2025

Birdtober Day 2: Venezuelan Troupial and SJT: Compassion


I wondered how I could combine the Birdtober prompt, the Venezuelan Troupial, with the Spiritual Journey Thursday prompt, Compassion. Read on to see how I did it.




 Photo Source: eBird.com

 

The Venezuelan Troupial 


As I read about the Venezuelan crisis -
collapsed economy
hunger
millions in exile - 
I’m overwhelmed with the sadness and loss

As I read about the Venezuelan Troupial, though,
the national bird,
and look at its cheerful orange feathers
and the blue teardrops around its eyes - 
I’m overwhelmed with its beauty.

When refugees leave behind everything
they might not think of the birds in their country,
their biodiverse home,
until, far away,
they listen to the sound 
of the Venezuelan Troupial on YouTube
and read on eBird that its conservation status is
“Of Least Concern.”

And they might be glad that there’s one thing
they don’t have to worry about. 

©Ruth Bowen Hersey 

 

Some links I looked at: Wikipedia on the Venezuelan TroupialBirds of the World on the Venezuelan TroupialVenezuelan biodiversityWhy wildlife is at risk in VenezuelaFAQs on the Venezuelan crisiseBird on the Venezuelan Troupial

 

Kim is hosting the SJT roundup this month. 

4 comments:

Margaret Simon said...

I love how you made the connection. It’s so good to have something we don’t have to worry about!

Tabatha said...

What an amazing-looking bird! You're right, we should be grateful for things we DON'T need to be concerned about.

Anonymous said...

Lovely poem!

Carol Varsalona said...

Ruth, the bird you write about is indeed beautiful but the situation in Venezuela is another place that has much sadness.Your poem made the connection that you wanted. Thank you.