I traveled along the sharp wings of the owl,
across land to fence post,
to eyes reflecting back black—
cool, knowing.
A head turning,
sounds stirring,
small creatures alerting each other:
the wind has changed.
Nocturnal hunting has begun.
I explored the tall grass floor, soil kicked up,
nests kept secret.
Beak and talons outstretched—
midnight owl.

I followed the scent of cut grass and wet earth,
water jetting across the lawn, freshly kept.
White butterflies in the hedge and flower beds—
ancestors’ messages.
Flutterby delicate wings,
love letters from beyond.

Down on hands and knees, we crawled the whole house together.
I found nothing of concern;
you found everything worth further inspection.
Tiny hands learning to slap sound into laughter,
chubby knees launching with excited wiggles.
We laughed, eye to eye.
You tackled my heart to the ground,
and pure joy took hold of me. 

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