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 Troupial, Birds of the World on the Venezuelan Troupial, Venezuelan biodiversity, Why wildlife is at risk in Venezuela, FAQs on the Venezuelan crisis, eBird on the Venezuelan Troupial
4 comments:
I love how you made the connection. It’s so good to have something we don’t have to worry about!
What an amazing-looking bird! You're right, we should be grateful for things we DON'T need to be concerned about.
Lovely poem!
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.
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