We never counted the hummingbirds
that visited our feeder.
I was the one who jumped to touch clouds
but fell short on every try.
You were the one who barreled rainwater
for the bee balm and butterfly bushes.
We hiked every mapped trail in the foothills
and many that were unmapped.
I was the one who spotted birds first
even though you were the birder.
You were the one who moved quicker and faster
even though my legs were eight inches longer.
We shared water from a canteen slung across my back—
a replica wooden civil war canteen with cork stopper.
copyright © 2022 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 