REDWING BLACKBIRD IN WINTER
Normally redwing blackbirds fly far, far away,
Not usually anywhere around on an icy cold day,
But on an ice covered branch he started to sing,
What sweet rapture that dear sound did bring.
As he opened his beak, the air was so very cold
That we could see the sweet music from him unfold,
A warm vapour trial of bird song rising to the blue sky
As he sang precious heat from his body quickly did fly.
Extra seed and a suet ball and table scraps as well
Will be in the garden so some of his hunger quell,
Brave, cold lonely little blackbird still able to sing,
So much joy to me did you unknowingly did bring.
The next day a deep sadness broke my tender heart
There beneath the tree he lay, no longer doing his part
To cheer, gladden and lighten someone’s icy cold day,
Oh, how I wished he had been able to fly far, far away.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 22 September 2004