Neena Singh

The Miracle of Flight

It’s a hot summer morning and as I water the plants in the garden, I see some movement behind a flowerpot. I move closer, two sharp eyes and a curved beak peer—a baby hawk! The bird appears injured as one wing is stretched out. The closer I move, the more it tries to hop behind the row of pots. 

I call my birding friends for advice and follow their instructions:

“Just let it be . . . it will fly away.” 

“Keep a piece of raw meat and some water near it.”

“Keep a boiled egg near it”. 

Bending low, I whisper. “Fly baby, you are meant to soar in the sky.”

It looks at me with its piercing eyes and flaps its wings as if it understands. 

surprise guest
behind a flowerpot . . .
the grace and wisdom
in its bright eyes
hold me captive 

---

About the Author

Neena Singh lives in Chandigarh, India. Her haiku, senryu, tanka, and haibun have appeared in online and print journals. Former banker, she now runs a non-profit for underprivileged children. She enjoys exploring gardens and has authored two books of poetry. 

---