Birds of Paradise~by Paul F. Lenzi

 

 

Birds of Paradise

 

Lesser Bird of Paradise
Photo by Tim Laman
From nationalgeographic.com

rainforest angels

light spirits

conscripted by

tropical gods

who would strut

their perfections

biology’s own

vivid handiwork

dazzling display

plumage painted

in pigments of eden

fanned feathers of

crest tail and wing

vibrant dramas

exotic with courtship

enhance evolution

multiply species

new clades given

perch in the sweet

tree of life where

rare sightings stun

watchers to pause

and reflect upon

notions of beauty

on purpose of

sensory pleasures

excited by large

lasting gifts of

small spectacle