Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Snow on the ground in Brooklyn...


There is snow on the ground
white marsh mellow mounds
birds rest on slim tree limbs
pigeons on high wires are waiting
our feeder is full – no squirrels yet around
then, wings a flutter pound
as daughter and father sit watching them –
lined up like pre-battle soldiers anticipating.
In a swoop, they are landing now,
with barely a noticeable sound
before the sly squirrel upends one
to every bird lover’s frustration.
Now they scatter as panic abounds
our bird friends quickly give ground,
all flee for safety from him
feisty, furry tail, gray and infuriating.
Wings and tails go round and round,
in our back yard with snow on the ground,
while we sit comfortably watching. Then
as the afternoon shadows remaining
fade and find their way
to the west side of waiting,
I fly across this moment
with father and daughter
looking out over a snow covered
back yard - to span across the naps,
the diapers, the chaos of toys,
and feedings, past being an infant
to your marriage, somewhere
in the distant future
and some fortunate boy.


doug claybourne – for marea. 02.07.13

Copyright c 2013. Doug Claybourne. All Rights Reserved.

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