The early bird changes each day.
Junco. Thrasher. Dove. One of several Finches.
Watching them I get the sense
that yesterday is meaningless.
My impression is watery Time
treats them all as duck backs to roll off.
When the hawk arrives
shadow first or on the rooftop
the cholla becomes a prickly shelter
as long as the wee birds keep clear of the thrashers’ nest.
I witnessed a dove out fly a hawk
with tight twists & turns
that any dog-fighting pilot
would envy.
copyright © 2020 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 