Winged Rainbow
Purple Gallinule
A rainbow drawn from the sky
Given wings with which to fly
Propped on golden toes so long
From lily pad stage she clucks her song
With sun’s rising at six o’clock
Breakfast served of spatterdock
Add a side of grasshopper meat
Finish with a minnow treat
Fly, then climb o’er rushes standing tall
Summon you mate with piercing call
Choose a sequestered place to rest
Together secure a floating nest
A clutch of speckled eggs her reward
Brooding duties not ignored
Soon seven chicks run all around
Sporting coats of midnight down
Until the time of transformation
When bursts forth living coloration
Shades of purple, blue, bronze, and green
Red eyes, and orange beak with which to preen
Seems it was the Creator’s delight
To make a humble rail a beautiful sight
Note: I found this Purple Gallinule along Anhinga Trail in Florida’s Everglades National Park. The bird’s striking beauty inspired me to photograph her ( no easy task as she was a lively lady) and pen a poem in her honor. The female distinction is for poetic convenience only. Male and female Purple Gallinules are similar in appearance.
Morningjoy's Weblog 
A delightful poem that sings a bird that I have never seen and do not know about, but is beautiful amidst the lilypads of your song.
Thank you, Thomas. I spent quite some time on fourwindowspress last night. It is rare to find a husband and wife who write so beautifully, each in their own voice, on such a deep level. I have much to learn from the two of you.
i love how you created the whole package. the photo is excellent and the poem offers further insight into that captured moment 🙂
Thank you, David. Reconnecting with you has been my delight.
Beautiful picture and wonderful poem! She should be honored!
Thank you, Kaitlin. Checked out your blog and found it fascinating. Glad to have found you!