Singing lessons 

A spike of Broad-leaved Cattail gilded with pollen greets Asha and me at the edge of the Bridge over Gentle Waters. I’m leaning in closer, admiring the colors and shapes when I hear a familiar song: Wichety-wichety-wichety! Common Yellowthroat is announcing his presence. I spot him on an exposed perch atop a snag. He lifts his head, opens his beak and then … and then his whole body, from his bold yellow throat to his olive-colored tail, is in motion as sound pours out and fills the air.

I stay, watching and listening with awe and envy as he adds his voice to the song of the woods. And then my new friend takes flight. I begin walking again, thanking Common Yellowthroat for showing me what it’s like to add a song to the world in a confident, full-bodied way. 

^{Photo credit: Michael Stubblefield}