I never knew why birds had wings 

Till death took you away. 

It stole our dreams and all the words

That we had yet to say.

But as I pondered quietly

The loss that had occurred 

Outside my window, in a tree, 

Appeared a yellow bird. 

It gave a hop and then a cheep.

I learned a truth that day,

That birds are nature’s messengers, 

For those who couldn’t stay.

So when I see a cheerful bird

Come visit from its nest 

I listen for the loving words

Sent from your place of rest

And when I hold unspoken words

To share with you on high

I know that God will send them forth

On wings that touch the sky

Arielle Hadfield 2025