Alma in the Blue, by Maureen Jivani

ALMA IN THE BLUE

Alma’s Birthday

Alma collected baby parrots –

their bright plumages lifted her spirits.

Nestled in the deep pockets of her coat

they swelled like newly formed words in her throat.

Once, on opening her rosebud mouth,

a dazed Blue Macaw flew out

having begun its life on the swing of her uvular,

it cried Happy Birthday Alma

and zoomed towards the sun.

by Maureen Jivani