Cranes of Love

And my morning coffee

Photo by the author, Mark Tulin

Along Alta Vista Street,
the birds of paradise extend
their greetings —
Happy to see me,
vying for my attention

They are the first flowers
I notice in the morning,
as I hold my cup of Joe
and venture down this
Santa Barbara road

I want to give them some affection,
touch their pointed beaks,
treasure their bright colors,
and exchange pleasantries

They speak in a tropical tongue,
attracting the sunbirds
to pollinate their goodwill —
nourished by the humidity,
an occasional sprinkle,
and the music of the sun

O cranes of love,
gentle is your garden,
in harmony with your surroundings,
flower in your noble bloom,
reminding me to stop and behold.

© 2022 Mark Tulin