Illusions by Alice Landrum

Illusions

“It’s life’s illusions I recall

I really don’t know life at all."

Joni Mitchell

I saw a summer tanager

or did I just see a mirage?

There was only a glimpse of red

on my left side as I walked

a tiny speck of color

shining between the green leaves.

A male indigo bunting

landed on the trail ahead

its rich blue feathers shimmering

against the gravel then gone.

I hear a pileated woodpecker,

the thunk of its beak against a tree.

The red-capped bird is not there

When I turn my head to see.

The birds never stay for long.

Always leaving me to wonder

did I really see that beautiful

bit of color or hear that song?