i dug a hole

and place the small bundle in.

“Open the gate! “

had been the cry-

“Come quick!”

and there, clasped ever so gently to his breast,

nestled in his garden gloved hands,

was a small finch.

“He was on the sidewalk, just there in the middle of the sidewalk”

Heat lamps were lit,

droppers were filled and prayers were said.

and in the morning light, still wings and heart

told us of a newly minted angel…

one who had come and reminded us of our mortality and our compassion.

Sometimes,

Hospice is the best grace you can give.