Visitor

It suddenly appeared, feathers ruffled, tired, hobbling from wall to perch, unbalanced.
And yet with dignity and quiet.
It's head, held on the perch of its neck, swung slowly back and forth, then rested as if pondering, gathering itself inward. I brought it little shrimps in water, but they were declined and rather, by the next day, head was under wing.
It was not disturbed in its silent sleep, but I wondered, would the life ebb from the beautiful body? I quite expected this when I came down the following morning and was amazed to find the discrete thing gone without a trace. What a privilege it was, to meet this child of nature.