(This poem is dedicated to Johanna Ely, Benicia’s sixth poet laureate who completed her term at the end of June.)

How very much we’ve been enriched,
Through you as poet laureate, this past two years.
So like the hummingbird to which you are drawn,
A mirror image in so many ways.

Drawing forth sustenance as we bloom,
Our talents heretofore unbeknownst to us.
Passions enriched by your teaching,
All we gain through sharing with others.

Like incandescent wings, you shimmer,
In the light of words you’ve brought to life.
You hover gently and solitary,
Until your poem is born.

Just as the hummingbird  enables new growth,
Through pollination of the flowers,
We are better poets through you and your gift,
Of poetry to all who read and listen.

There’s no doubt you were once,
Or will be in your next life,
Mirror image of the hummingbird,
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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