those who listen

there are those who do not listen

to advertising slogans, or sing

product jingles under their breath

their music is the trickle of water

over rounded river rocks

and attention is caught, not by

a triple hamburger ad

but by the glimpse

of color on the underside of bird’s wing

as it lifts into flight

such persons tend to fulfill self

with a humble joy of appreciation

of nature and respect for the goodness

of fellow women and men

whose world is spoken

by whispers of gratitude