by Mark Weinrich
The mockingbird was perched atop a wall of shrubs, like a figurehead on a ship’s bow. Its serenade drew us like a crowd to a concert stage. Though the singer showed no interest or need for applause. Head back and throat swelled he poured out his soul song after song, a vivacious repertoire of whistles, chirps, and fluted trills. Without intermission his exuberance flooded the park with merry music. His songs were lyric bouquets, the best of his courtship presentation. And he would sing into and through the night waiting for his lady. He mans the post, giving his all, to fill his niche in the world. Singing to draw just one, and she the only one who matters. What if we worshiped the Lord with such desperate delight? Would the wonder of our love change lives in our niche of this world?
Mark Weinrich lives a creative life as a writer, photographer, musician, and artist—all wrapped together in an outdoorsman. He is a retired pastor and nine-year cancer survivor. His writing and photography have appeared in over 130 news stand, inspirational, and literary publications. He has sold eight children’s books and currently has two fantasy novels on Kindle.