A Vet's Office in Peru by J. Federle

A burly man bursts
into the un-air conditioned space.

An old woman jumps—her toothless Yorkie
snaps at his ankle. Beard sweat flecks
bystanders as he dodges, stomps
just left of a pink cat carrier, cuts
two disgruntled sisters in line, and thrusts
his cupped hands at the startled vet.

A hurried exchange takes place.

The two lean in.
His meaty hands unlock:

a hummingbird.

Its emerald head
catches the light,
licks at the sun.
Wings trill—

the bird launches into a wall.

The man scoops the creature
back into the shelter of his palms.

Everyone waits
as the vet discourages hope
but nonetheless fetches a pipet,
demonstrates how to feed in sips.

The pipet seems too small for his fingers.

But he leaves with it,
and with the bird, reciting
(like a whispered incantation)
the sugar-to-water ratio
for nectar.

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