Visitor from Abroad

Concealed, in sun-striped fallen twigs and cones,
the Hoopoe steps; feathered black and white
and russet tones.
Beneath delicate dance of thrice-toed feet,
its probing beak, finds sand-bed bugs that
beg retreat.
Revealed, on tender tinted pine bough still
the startling plumage; its folded crest becomes
a ready quill,
which marks its message on clear page of sky;
Spring is here and so am I.