Our wooded lot and the Huron River down the ridge provide many chances to see and experience bird life. Whether it is swans cruising the river, egrets, herons, ducks, or at the feeders cardinals, blue jays, a tufted titmouse or nuthatch, birds bring joy. I have written little poems about birds over the years and about a person who reminded me of a bird. These are below. And above is a wonderful painting of ravens, called “Party Line” by my cousin Theresa Heinz, artist and long time art teacher.
Pileated Woodpecker
had I a red cap as fine as yours,
I wouldn’t be so scarce;
to disappear into tree trunks
or flee through the forest air
I’d coif my brilliant pointy peak,
thump a lot and attention seek,
perch upon the tallest tree
and scream to all the forest folks –
“Now take a look at me!”
Blackbirds
out back two blackbirds
copulate in the moist, matted
leaves of late March –
a few seconds,
of frantic fluttering
and it is done;
so…this is their way,
no pleasure applies?
but then
they disengage,
and FLY!
Groundskeeper
the groundskeeper
slender and flitty
amidst the bare bushes
rakes like a bird
the worn, wet leaves
Brian J. Zink Copyright rules apply
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