Years ago, one summer
I came upon a little hummingbird,
no bigger than my thumb.
As it fluttered about a flower
in search of sweet nectar,
I stood, frozen in time, and
was mesmerized by its grace.
I'm not sure why,
or what compelled me,
but I ran inside
to get my brother's BB gun.
As I raced back to my prey,
I did not think
of my actions, or
of consequences, or
regret.
But only of the thought,
"I wonder if I can get it with one shot?"
At that moment, it turned to me
as if to say,
"What a beautiful creature.
so full of life, and
love, and
compassion.
It is a wonderful day to be
alive!"
But I did not listen.
Instead, intent on my mission,
I aimed, and
pulled the trigger.
And in one thoughtless moment,
a tiny lifeless body
lay before me.
I am now thirty- eight years old.
And since that summer of my youth,
A thousand memories
and regrets I have.
And one that haunts me still
is a small one.
If only . . .
I had listened with my heart.
by Dee Dee Brough
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I came upon a little hummingbird,
no bigger than my thumb.
As it fluttered about a flower
in search of sweet nectar,
I stood, frozen in time, and
was mesmerized by its grace.
I'm not sure why,
or what compelled me,
but I ran inside
to get my brother's BB gun.
As I raced back to my prey,
I did not think
of my actions, or
of consequences, or
regret.
But only of the thought,
"I wonder if I can get it with one shot?"
At that moment, it turned to me
as if to say,
"What a beautiful creature.
so full of life, and
love, and
compassion.
It is a wonderful day to be
alive!"
But I did not listen.
Instead, intent on my mission,
I aimed, and
pulled the trigger.
And in one thoughtless moment,
a tiny lifeless body
lay before me.
I am now thirty- eight years old.
And since that summer of my youth,
A thousand memories
and regrets I have.
And one that haunts me still
is a small one.
If only . . .
I had listened with my heart.
by Dee Dee Brough