There he met Gerri whose long neck made him laugh.
Sydney met the lowly bird, who lived in Gerri’s den.
No fancy spots or bright blue eyes ~ he called himself just Wren.
“When perched on top of Gerri’s head, I can see across the sea.”
Gerri gave a guttural laugh, “God made me, to help Wren see.”
“I like to fly near Wren’s wings, whenever he is near.” -
Wren chirped, “That’s white Sir Gnat, we met one spring, way above the weir.
“He now keeps my vision clear, even when it’s dark way up here.”
Then Gerri turned and saw a green leaf lying on the ground.
Wren flapped his wings, as did Sir Gnat, a moment most profound.
With a gentle touch by Gerri’s tongue, the leaf began to sway.
Gnat knew that something underneath would make it move that way.
With grace and ease our friend Wren landed near the leaf.
With focused eyes, he soon saw what was hiding underneath.
“Hello, Red Ant you’ve been found, by my two, beady eyes.”
“Fess up, our friend,” Gerri grinned, “since Sir Gnat and Wren are very wise.”
“In the heat of day, I lost my way, becoming fearful of the sun.
I lost my wings and now I fear my traveling days are done.”
At this point, Sir Gnat saw a tear flow from Red Ant’s eye.
Sydney, Wren, and Gerri feared Red Ant would start to cry.
Sydney quipped, “We’ll help you climb high into the trees.”
Gerri stretched her neck, “It can be done with ease.
I’ll just bend down, you get on board, get a warm seat in my ear.”
Sydney smiled, “And I’ll be here to help and watch, you have nothing much to fear.”
Sir Gnat and Wren proudly watched to see teamwork in action.
Soon Red Ant was way high up to the team's satisfaction.
“I can see beyond the fence and well beyond the weir.
“Everything makes so much sense when gazing from up here.
“I’ll find red ants and I’ll choose ones, those not moving slow.
“With help from friends I’ll find good spots, I know where I can go.
“My goodness! I see a hill with red ants all alive.
I’ll choose that as my new home - a place where I can thrive.”
Sydney knew just what to say, he had a way with words.
He could speak for giraffes gnats and even for some birds.
“Dear Red Ant, our new friend, you are not alone.
“And we’re glad that we could help you find a home.”
At this point, we all know why,
Our dear Red Ant began to cry.
Oh my!
Not tears of sorrow, never here, just tears of joy.
New friends, first rank, and all above the hoi polloi.
Enjoy!
