Sitting on the balcony of our AirBnb in lovely Arroyo, Puerto Rico–the island of enchantment. 

My two sweet babies are asleep. My in-laws are chillin–thanks to the wringer my twins put them through…at 5am. Thank God for grandparents. 

My husband is out and about doing a three mile photo walk. I am so proud of him. 

This island has the most lovely birds. I’ve learned the word for bird. “Pichon…” as the Spanish would say. 

Out on the telephone wire that drapes an open field that is home to run aways. Let your imagination guide you on which kind. 

Three bright green birds tango. Two were cozying up just fine… before the third wheeler arrived to sweep the lady bird in the middle away. Or so he thought…

Perhaps his song is a bit sweeter, his nest a bit bigger, in a tree a bit taller. Or at least that’s the game I imagine he’s spitting. The dream I imagine he’s selling.

But what would I know about how birds woo?

I only know how humans do.

I now appreciate this bird’s eye view.

Across from where I sit is a mommy bird in a nest. She has the best view in my humble opinion. At the intersection of telephone wires going east and west. 

They always say, “mother knows best.”

My husband says if we are lucky we will get to see her hatchlings before we leave. 

If you know me, you know my luck is better than anyone could ever believe.

The animals reflect us so accurately. Our senseless and silly squabbles, they’ve mastered to a tee. Two black birds are now on the grass across the street. Squaring up with each other before they eat. Then, one decides to dine separately. 

Voila! All of a sudden…there’s peace.

Life is as simple as it is complex. In nature, you never know what’s next. 

I love that I can count on mama bird being in her nest.

Our spot is next to the Purple Heart Homes, so disabled Veterans pull up each day. A collection of the strongest, bravest and boldest. Keeping their brotherhood and union intact.

Bruised but not broken.

Recovering from war wounds forever unspoken. 

God bless America and every person that’s ever served. 

Send these men the blessings we know are well deserved. 

Everywhere else it’s just a Monday. But here… is another day in paradise.

Seeing these baby birds hatch would be so nice!

-ACP