Poem: Updraft

When flying once upon a morn,
a jay passed overhead.
It said to me, I could’ve sworn,
“Keep it up, your head.”

And so it did just what it said
as it flew away,
it straightened out it’s feathered head
and I went on my way.

I did my best to heed the bird
so I lifted up my chin.
I could see much farther now
and felt better to my chagrin.

See, I haven’t always watched my feet
as I went to and fro,
but for the longest silent beat
I did, and this I know.

But then this message came along
like an updraft under wing.
A cryptic hidden in birdsong
a rather simple thing.

‘Cause when I’m feeling low
and the weight is pushing down,
I did not notice, yet now I know
how my gaze sinks to the ground.

A simple hint and not too strange
can show the wisdom I lack
like a mental rearrange
or a tip, to straighten my back.

With chin tipped up and level crown
I see more of the path before me,
so when I’m feeling and looking down
know I did not wish to scorn thee.

I’ve since learned better from those I know
they my family and friends,
who gave me an updraft from below
to hold me aloft ’til my sadness ends.