I walk into the garage and detect
a squeak, a soft whirr – a hummingbird
lured inside by the red silk kite draped

on one wall.  Cornered in unfamiliar territory,
the bird lacks a blueprint for escape.
Double doors are open to a breeze swirling

with the scent of flowers.  The sky awaits.
Yet, this iridescent shimmer flaps
in a hopeless loop from nailed-up hula hoops

to the culpable kite and back again.
The farther inside I inch, the more frenzied
its flight.  I murmur soothing words,

slink my way to the window and open it.
The breeze is instantly sucked through
the garage and out: a clear exit.  I tiptoe

outside, watch with relief as the bird
drops down into that blossom of air
and drinks its freedom.