Indigo Bunting

The feathers of this bunting are not blue,
but reflect blue light,
an interesting challenge for us
who depend on sight.

Why these birds refuse
to be clothed in straightforward color
needs no defense.
Deception doesn’t seem the intent.

No, these birds are plainly obvious
as they sit a wire
and make their distinctive call.
They’re just not blue.

I think about other things at which light fails.
For example, God
and the manifold differing images
that now prevail.

May it be that God,
like the blue of a bunting’s feathers,
reflects the light,
so we’re unable to see God’s essence?

No view is right or complete.
Yet, all can see
and hear
and so bear witness
to identity hidden in light too bright for eyes.