Who will feed my hummingbirds?
For 35 years
a bird feeder hung outside the patio door
of mom’s modest Michigan townhome
When I’d visit, I’d make sure it was filled
but when I’d leave, I’d worry about the birds
and the squirrel
who precariously balanced on the fence
and the feeder
filling his face
making us laugh
until she’d leave
and the sparrows, robins and the occasional cardinal
would take what was left
which was enough
because of me
and mom
and my brothers and sisters
and mom’s neighbors and friends
who ensured the feast would be there
especially in winter
Mom’s gone now
as is the feeder
I’m sure
because I don’t go there anymore
but now
I have a hummingbird feeder that hangs
outside the patio door of my own modest California townhome
that I keep filled with nectar
until I’m no longer here
like mom
and then
who will feed my hummingbirds?