It is the season for the birds

in the park where I walk –

Today there was a woodpecker

with his red cockade and black coat –

and a small heron

with blue-gray feathers.

 

But mostly,

there are white-feathered ibis

with long curving beaks,

and gulls –

sweeping and soaring,

skimming the water,

settling on pier rails,

screeching a raucous racket,

to the world —

 

demanding food from the humans

who come with their little bags

their offerings to the birds –

and where the humans sit

hunched on benches

scattering crumbs,

the birds gather –

and the green skirts of the lake

are embroidered with the 

white of the gathered birds.

Joyce Alexander, 2-6-20