got this mad bird at home

(with apologies to d.a.)

one hard freeze for this,
feeders lonely since august,
crowded with bickering
sparrows, quiet doves,
and one young mockingbird
who's been trying to fly into
my kitchen for three days now.

back to me, they find themselves,
where it's easy and safe.

when I think of leaving
this little bit of mine, I wonder
if the next owner will honor the burden.

for many, the diversion
begun in may's idle,
abandoned to january's hold,
too much effort keeping
these hungry, hollowed-boned
creatures satisfied.

their winged indifference,
my stale obsession,
they bolt for the skies every time
I come to take a closer look.