~ROBIN CHAPMAN~

BOWING TO THE OSTRICH

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Walking through the snows of March
we pass the zoo, peer through
a break in the arborvitae
where we always stop to see who’s out.
I call  to the dark depths of the shed’s
open door Helloo! Helloo, ostrich!
and hear a stir, a heavy step. His splayed toes
enter sunlight, his tall eyes take us in
as he comes, all neck and scrawny legs,
directly toward us, lifting his wings like open arms,
plumey feathers spread and shaking
in dancing invitation as he curves his neck
and bows his head down to the ground,
rises, bows again, displays from every side,
and we, two middle-aged women
walking for our health, startled
recipients of such honor, bow and bow.

© by Robin Chapman