Heard a funny sound up in the trees, stopped, looked.
Not ten feet from me sat two flickers, facingÂ
each other inches apart. Engaged in some sort of ritual.
Beaks up, bobbing and wagging their heads, an odd
lilting call uttered in unison. Then stopping sltogether.
Then again the dance of their two heads, the calling
and together again stopping. Over and over as I stoodÂ
mesmerized, my two dogs at my feet, those two birdsÂ
carried out that mysterious ritual, their big speckledÂ
breasts, black bibs, a scarlet patch on each of their heads.
When at last they went their own ways I went mine
a thrill of delight bouncing my feet along the path.
