I wish I were a mockingbird beyond the reach of human cant – can’t step around the hate of all that is different. So easy is the blackbird life who squawks at me upon the beach – his reach is plain for all to see he has no use for human greed. Newborn babes areContinue reading “I wish I were a mockingbird”
Author Archives: Anne Birkam
A world of earthly delights
I am close, too close I know when the tree swallow divebombs me – Stay away! Stay away! The click, click, click replaces his usual song. This is how walking goes during the season of nests. You created a monster he told his wife. I am a woman undone by feathers and flying things. IsContinue reading “A world of earthly delights”
Star stuff
On the dike he frolics – an otter captured through the corner of my eye, while the ibis flees, not allowing me to espy a silhouette framed by raindrops. I must be crazy, soaked like these creatures, near relatives by chromosome. Meanwhile a pheasant ventures across the road. Life is good here and now, thisContinue reading “Star stuff”
Favorite things
The eye of a vireo like Dorothy’s ruby red, when I actually see it my grin opens wide. The carpet newly vacuumed, the dishes put away, the sheets when pulled from dryer, the smell of them laying down. My father’s voice resounding with ‘How great thou art’, my mother’s apple pie, no birthday went without.Continue reading “Favorite things”
Cups running over
It has always been the age – hasn’t it, when children are raped and pay for it with a nod to sorrow. The guzzlers then move on with laws that punish vessels. You would think perhaps in the world of new, whether York or Orleans, we could see our way through the rage that strikesContinue reading “Cups running over”
Fly off dark eyed junco
Fly off dark eyed junco fly away home. I’m tired of the snow that sits at April’s door. I want to see the crocuses on my garden floor. Fly away little junco fly away home. Welcome chipping sparrow with the annoying song. Irritate me with your chipping – yes please bring it on. The musicContinue reading “Fly off dark eyed junco”
Even weeds are useful
When vanity rules the world let humility rise like the vapor from old Faithful, let it rise, let it rise. When cruelty runs amok Let kindness be your guide anywhere, anyhow, give everyone your smile. Mister death may wait outside the garden door, the vulture may soar above eying sorrow here below, the mothers mayContinue reading “Even weeds are useful”
Red Yellow Brown
The American beauty rose And a single prick Of blood that flows Marking all the land The male cardinal Everything grand — Sunflower opening And seeking the sun The sun! from Which all living Comes – The canary in The coalmine Will the people Be undone? — A female tweeter Seeking seed The sand BeneathContinue reading “Red Yellow Brown”
Black
i coat of goth body of coot morning joe the best soil for things that grow ii. it is 2:00 a.m. clouds no stars this unlit deserted lane I know it by feel not sight a split rail fence is there this landmark means I am almost there but not 2018
White redux
i What is it? A great egret The ivory gull Valerian And falling snow What isn’t? Me ii. They stick like glue to the hands that beat them since the sole alternative is the hangman’s noose. I try to sympathize with options unbearable but the rope around my neck cuts my breath in two. 10-11/2018
Anne's mediocre poetry 