NATURE Poem: THE SAGA OF THE MOCKINGBIRDS, by Diana Switter

Prelude:

A building site is chosen
In a row of bushes

Act 1.

With a flurry of wings and constant loud cries
The area is cleared of unwanted spies
By stealth they take turns,
one sentry
one hunter
A twig here
A string there
Nothing too new
Nothing too big
Any scrap handy will do
Beware intruder you are sighted
Big or small it matters not
Prepare for attack
Once again the gathering can commence
With a new avenue to confuse
Interlude:
After days of hard work
Neighboring birds are given a respite

Act 2.

The protection of the mother and her eggs is paramount
A constant harassment of crows begins
The parent is relentless against these giants
Whether diving or chasing, zigging or zagging
Their massive talons are no match for an enraged guardian

Act 3.

The waiting is over
The babies have hatched
The vigilance continues
No matter where an intruder is
On a branch
On a wire
On a rooftop
He is not safe
Feeding becomes an art form
Gather
Deliver
Gather
Deliver
Gather
Deliver
A big juicy worm dripping from beak
A mouth full of grubs dribbles down the neck
Back and forth never resting
Babies cry with ravenous hunger
Vigilance continues

Act 4.

Babies abound and growing
Exploring their world
Questing for food
Learning to be vigilant
Postlude:
An empty nest
Crows can live in peace