Morning of the Birds
There are moments that change nothing... and everything...
AI Image
Morning of the Birds
Refilling the feeder with seed,
the new sun kissed the nakedness
of his uncovered head.
The wrinkled man stopped still,
seed bag in hand,
feeling his age
feeling no reason to be.
He gave thought to the birds;
to their lives expiring so swiftly
yet their happiness burst from them
in wild song and squabbles.
Withered and frail now,
he had never been as colourful
or as elegant as the birds,
had never sang and danced
for no reason in the sun.
Considering this,
he envied their freedom,
their wild cloak
was one he’d never worn.
Observing and enjoying
the feeding chitterers,
he appreciated their simplicity,
he realised, it was enough
and suddenly,
he found a small, simple reason
to be grateful he was born.
Inspiration
This poem came from reflecting on how easily we overlook the ordinary moments that quietly shape our lives. We spend so much time searching for meaning in grand achievements, major events, and distant goals that we can miss the value of what is already around us. A bird singing in the garden, a shaft of morning sunlight, a moment of stillness... these things often seem insignificant until we realise how much they mattered all along.
I was interested in the contrast between human complexity and the simple existence of the natural world. The birds in this poem do not question their purpose or measure their worth. They simply live. Watching them becomes a reminder that gratitude does not always come from finding answers. Sometimes it comes from noticing what was there all along.
Want to read a true life story?
👉 Read It Started with a Bang
Interested in the artwork I create?
👉 Explore my Art Blog
Love my photography?
👉 Visit my Photography Portfolios
© Catherine Knee 2026. All rights reserved.
AI Declaration
AI was used solely to create the supporting artwork for this poem.
No AI was used in the writing of this poem.
Morning of the Birds is a reflective life poem by Catherine Knee exploring gratitude, ageing, nature, mindfulness, and the quiet meaning found in everyday moments.