Schoolyard Bird
- Mike Jenkins (U.K.)
The schoolyard bird has returned
from wintering in darker climes.
We hear its many calls
through our open windows:
thud of feet and footballs,
squeal and shriek of playing ;
its rush, chase and constant moving
are like a wind of sound ;
the beat of its wings
are countless feet running, dodging.
Over our houses and gardens
it fills the air with murmurations.
You wonder how long before
it will fall with cherry blossom ,
petal-feathers scattered on a breeze,
our pentref pensive once more.
Note – pentref – village (Welsh)