YOU HAVE TO KNOW

THE TERRITORY

Sitting, just relaxing, just doing nothing,
on a porch, on a Sunday afternoon,
being all alone with the All Alone….

Right now, it’s quiet on this quiet street.

I’m gazing at miles of faded blue sky.

I begin to watch a small sparrow mirroring me,
on a branch, on a Sunday afternoon,
being all alone with the All Alone….

He or she is also looking at miles
of faded blue sky – just enjoying the quiet.

Suddenly ….

The interruption – the change….

It’s always something – isn’t it?

Out of nowhere, a blackbird screams
and dives right at the sparrow’s branch –
who darts away into November nothingness.

I’m thinking: that black bird
had a hundred trees to perch and rest on,
Why did he pick the sparrow and his branch?

I’m thinking: why do dogs disturb cats
on Sunday afternoons? Why do brothers
or sisters disturb their brothers or sisters?


Why do nations scream and dive right
into other nations' land hoping that they
disappear into November nothingness?

Suddenly ….

Interruption – change ….

It’s always something – isn’t it?

© Andy Costello, Reflections, 2009