Tracie Nichols

Into the aftermath 

of blaring car accident
near misses, thrum 
of impatience covered 
with sheepishly-offered
smiles of good people pushed
into temporary belligerence

drops the tiniest sound
full of curiosity
and glee because late 
season goodness was found
tucked into tiny gray-brown caverns
in gnarled tree bark.

she-tree slumbers on,
roots holding fast
aware she’s fed feathered kin.

wings dart off 
on another search while I
fully inflate my 
lungs for the first time
in hours and finally
feel myself
home.

Red-bellied rescue © 2021 Tracie Nichols