As sparrows play
with total disregard
for travel plans,
geese practice their drills
before the flight south,
lining up, perfect penmanship
of V's, taking turns
trading off the lead.
 
The starlings lift
like a hot-air balloon,
from the oak tree
where they congregate,
a mimicry of leaves,
rising skyward as one,
the tree's dark twin.
 
A red-tailed hawk
bored with his hunt,
works the edges
of their flight
looking for a way in,
an outsider unwelcome
amid their unanimity.
 
Even the roosting buzzards,
sentinels perched
atop the streetlamps,
stop their gossip
to watch his failed attempt.


© by Nancy Posey.
Used with the author's permission.