The poem, “More Than One Way to Fly,” I wrote in honor of my son, who is on the autism spectrum. The poem, which illustrates the relationship between a social Chickadee and a solitary Brown Creeper, is an appeal for neurotypicals to reach out to the marginalized.
By Tami Ullom
Yet, the tale of the friendly Chickadee Reveals another point of view
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The sound of the avian melody Drifts through the snow-chilled breeze As Charity and her fellow chickadees
Chirp “chicka-dee-dee” and settle atop the trees
The search for food has led them here To feed among the stately pine
The flock repeats their singsong call To proclaim “come and dine”
Chicka-dee-dee, a call of welcome To those both similar and unique Even the elusive creeper joins in Though quiet, gentle, and meek
Charity, the well-loved Chickadee The most popular of the treetop flock Hangs upside down upon the branch
To greet her new friend with cheerful bird talk
“Chicka-dee-dee, Chicka-dee-dee I’m glad you’ve joined our crew
With your singular focus and rare talents Our mixed flock is proud to include you
You may call me Charity
For to spread kindness is my aim Dear solitary friend
What is your name?”
“I go by Amon, the hidden one The master of disguise
I creep onward and upward
To find unexplored treasure on my rise
Once I’ve climbed one tree I fly down to explore the next
My flight path is limited While yours reaches a higher apex
I heard your call of welcome And I was filled with glee
For I don’t often get the opportunity To live in community”
“Well, Amon, the hidden You are hidden no more
For I see beauty in differences That others only ignore
My song may be more captivating My flight may be more spry
But you find riches none can find And there’s more than one way to fly”
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So you see, dear reader We all have gifts to share
In keeping friendships unvaried We miss opportunities rare
Venture forth, dear friend Seek out others unlike you For the beauty of the rainbow Comes from a variety of hues
