RESIDENT POETRY “FEATHERED FRIENDS” by Amy Winkler
I was feeling lonely in early spring When a pair of mourning doves Just made themselves right at home In my window boxes. First, they’d plop into one box Keeping each other warm. Then, they’d separate and Occupy a box apiece. They didn’t stay long, And after they’d flown away I searched for eggs, But no sign of any, yet. Serve me right For not pulling out the old plants,
One day, when I got up and went inside,
Dumping the earth entirely
I came back only to find
Before winter came.
Twigs and feathers piled on my chair. Could they really have tried to nest there?
Oh, I tried clapping my hands To shoo them away, But back they flew every day
Well, a robin came next, and sang its heart out,
Until I potted blue pansies.
No doubt a warning call
Mornings, they’d fly in tandem
From the balcony rail -
Onto the balcony railing
“This women’s persona non grata.
Looking for a place to nest.
No nests at this inn!”
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