Magpie came
as I dug in the garden
on a cold winter afternoon
drawing close
heartbeat upon heartbeat
waiting for worms
or a sign
of the earth
turning
I turned to say
hello Maggie
my image reflected
in her dark eyes
I feel her
silently with me
her presence
a gentle benediction
she speaks to my heart
her silent companionship
a balm
on this bleak day
how can I explain
her beauty
in words
how precious she is to me
and how much I feel
she is not the trespasser
in my garden
rather the tresspasser
is me
Emerging From The Dark Night 