Nothing moves in a straight line.
Turkey buzzards circle and circle
without a flap — just the slightest
adjustment of feathers,
and suddenly they’re much higher,
up on a thermal

Swallows soar faster, their circles
suddenly crumpling as they dive
into a different plane,
following their flying feast

Our project, too, soars and crumples,
regroups, gains ground …
We could use a thermal around now,
or a fine and crooked line of tasty objects
of nourishment and motivation,
as we drive towards the long-envisioned end.

©Wendy Mulhern
September 14, 2018