All my winter friends returned!
The downy woodpecker, the downside up
nut hatch, the determined black cap,
even the junco, who pecks at the suet holder
where once he scrounged droppings in the snow,
and the big ones, the blue jay,
the red headed flicker, all,
wait in line for flight paths
to landing sites, on the
metal grilled feeders and Droll Yankee seed holders.
For some reason, who knows why, they winter with me.
Is it the gray stripped sunflower seeds,
the peanut filled suet,tempts them back?
Or is it the gentle knowing that here
is haven in thick holly bushes
which igloo into domed nests when snow falls?
No matter.
It is enough for me, that I,
the forgiven, bald headed sinner,
who for their sake and Saint Francis’ absolution,
welcome them home.