For the Birds/Bird Chatter

Image: Parke Harrison

For the Birds

Mr. Starling was his name,

Ornithology his game:

studying the birds both far and wide.

On researching the clues

he might take off his shoes

to get a better view of what’s inside.

Bird Chatter

We come into this world as naked as a jaybird.

Our parents give us wings, teach us to fly;

until we can finally leave the nest.

We tend to migrate toward similar people--

because birds of a feather flock together.

Knowing that the early bird gets the worm

we work hard to earn a feather in our cap.

When courting, we try not to ruffle any feathers,

hoping to find a wise owl rather than a silly goose.

We come home to roost, and feather our nest,.

Try not count our chicks before they’ve hatched,

then raise our brood until they can wing it alone

Once again empty nesters, we get our ducks in a row.

By now we should be sitting in the catbird’s seat,

maybe flying south each winter as snowbirds.

No longer a spring chicken nor cock of the walk,

just a couple of old crows that are happy as larks

we await our final swan song, 

to soar like an eagle into the sunset.

© Ginny Brannan April 1, 2011

Written for The Mag #111 Image provided by Tess Kincaid. She provides image, we provide story!!
AND
Sharing at d'Verse Poets Pub Open Link Night Week #38 4/03/12