The grackles opened
Like gates in the trees
Shadow birds, eyes glistening
You could almost imagine
These noisy shades
Abandoning tangible birds,
Parking lots and steel dumpsters
In their odyssey through
Suburban woods,
Clacking and creaking
Like machines or clocks
Ticking away the last
Hoarse seconds of winter.
James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.
love this one, James.
I like the idea of the grackles “abandoning tangible birds.” it makes me think of peter pan. our little plague has taken up residence in a hugely-overgrown former-christmas-tree in the abandoned & foreclosed house next door. I’m getting quite used to the murmuring; it’s like an avian tower of babel. I wish I could take a picture of the sound.
congrats on your 4 and 20 of the week — a nice way to think of wildflowers, too.
Thanks for reminding me about the 4&20 of the week. I had forgotten to link.
I know what you mean about the grackle sound. They can really get going!