When the Poem

Finds Me

​Sometimes words
discover their wings,
immediately take off
in search of blue

and I am earth
trying to flock with sky.

Other times, they land as close
as the gray fluff of feathers
wrapped around the shoulders
of a Chickadee

perched on the petals
of my outstretched palm, full
of black oil seed.

Before the moment can blink,
the light catches her eye
looking straight into mine,

sunflowers dreaming between us,

a glimmer of understanding,

and this world – harrowing
and wondrous –
feels possible once again.

Jenna Whittaker is a poet, photographer, and birdwatcher in upstate NY. She finds inspiration in observing and exploring the wonders and rhythms of the natural world. Her poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in Connecticut River Review, PHIL LIT Journal & PHIL LIT Paragon, Opol, The Phoenix Soul, and Inner Art Journal.