from the train station,
cutting across a green corridor
in the city centre
when a small movement by a tree catches my eye -
A chick,
round brown perfection
pecking all by itself,
no bustling mama in sight.
I tremble to see it,
so close, alone,
sauntering unaware
of me, my phone, my camera.
I take in
the arc of its yellow beak,
the brown, black feathers overlapping
cupping the bird like two warm palms
as it picks up a morsel, swallows,
and turns on delicate twigs
each with three tender claws
that I can almost feel walking in my hand.
But it is earth that holds it,
not I who can only hold it in my gaze.
Stay safe, I pray
Stay safe little one.
When I finally walk off
I spot the family,
a good 50 meters away,
red jungle fowl rooster, hen
two chicks darting between their feet
pecking diligently
My eyes yell
don't lose him,
now unseen in the grass,
just because he tends to get lost
in his own thoughts,
following a tune we cannot hear
like my son
wandering off alone
In a strange airport,
entranced by donuts
I slip away
from the stolen moment
seeing, hearing in my mind's eye
the panic
high pitched cheeping
hearts hammering
fear bellowing
Feet thundering
through the arrival hall
choking on unspeakable fears
Stay safe little one
Stay safe
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