On My Lunch Break

by Elizabeth Slaughter-Ek

Sitting on the steps
in the city in the sun
you, small bird, stood
watching me, alert
enjoying the sunshine as I did
white and black striping your small breast
holding your tail feathers up
little sentry
The sun slowed and stalled,
did you see me watching you?
I saw you dart to the other side
when others came too near
City dwellers in the sun.
You didn't fly away,
scooting quick as a chipmunk
small bird with bright eyes
I caught you basking from the corner of my eye
and then you sped away up the stairs.
You and the sun together.