Canadian Psalm

 

            CANADIAN PSALM

 

Between two Sunday sacraments,

I drove to Midway – Huber’s Grove –

Encountered on the drive-by road

A wounded goose, who life had flown.

 

With vinyl gloves and plastic mat,

I lifted him – so soft, still warm –

And carried him across to grass

That grace might know no further harm.

 

His winding neck, his flawless head,

His feathers black, white, beige, and gray

Were lighter than the Sabbath air

That sanctified the solemn day.

 

For sparrows and poor human souls,

Creation’s Maker notes demise.

I laid a marker on the bird

To honor him for mortal eyes.

 

(13 April 2021, Wasatch State Park, Utah)