The Seduction of Hummingbirds

About the Book

About the Author

Molly Sullivan and Carl Faith July 26, 2003 Photo snapped by Geof Vallis and Bess Ward This book, and the title poem among others, are dedicated to Molly. The title poem was inspired by our passion for each other, and the enormous energy Molly expended in our relationship while caring for her four sons, Zeno, Malachi, Japheth, and Ezra, ranging in ages from four to twelve, who the author later adopted. Those earthy, early days of our love were exempli¯ed by the migratory °ight of hummingbirds from the USA across the Gulf of Mexico, without stopping until they reach their destination, and mate in the jungles of Yu- catan. Ornithologists cannot explain how these little birds can store up enough energy to make the nonstop journey, for they do not soar, glide, or ride the air currents, nor rest on the waves, as do other long distance °yers such as the Artic Tern. Hummingbirds defy the law of Conservation of Energy, as they have no body fat to expend, and very little muscle in which to store energy for their race across the Gulf for their species to survive. Nature has much to teach us how to live, and how to love. Nature never deceives us; it is always we who deceive ourselves (Jean Jacques Rousseau, from \Emile; or On Education," 1762.)