Vacation

Vacation

A time to take a break
from the weight
of everything
that is dragging you down.
A chance to see things
you've never seen.
An opportunity
to go somewhere new;
to get out of town.

Leave your footprints behind
as your calling card
in the soft, wet sand
of the beach.
Within a day,
they'll wash away,
and you'll be gone,
once again out of reach.

Yes, for a while, 

it is fun to forget your frustrations
while you frolic 
in the ebb and flow of sea foam,
but the best thing ever about vacation, 

has always been 
remembering how nice it is 
to return home.

Mockingbird

Mockingbird

In search of an audience,

he followed after us, 

from lamp post to tree top,

as we walked on the path down below.

He serenaded us

with his whole repertoire!

Who knew that one bird, singing solo,

could put on such a show?

I suppose there are some 

who would call him a thief,

because the songs that he sings

are all stolen, you know.

But, I can't throw shade

on such a talented crooner.

His melodies were flawless.

His range was wide--high to low.

Although his music was borrowed,

he shared it with much joy.

He sang with a full heart.

What a thrill, indeed! It delighted us so.

*   *   *   *    *

We were on vacation last week at Virginia Beach. While we were there, I had the chance to see and hear a mockingbird. I took the picture above of it. I'm sorry the picture isn't very clear. If you'd like to see some better pictures of mockingbirds; learn more about them; and hear their songs, click here.