This morning the world’s white face reminds us
that life intends to become serious again.
And the same loud birds that all summer long
annoyed us with their high attitudes and chatter
silently line the gibbet of the fence a little stunned,
chastened enough…
I fill the feeders to the top and cart them
to the tree, hurrying back inside
to leave the morning to these ridiculous
birds, who, reminded, find the rough shelters,
bow, and then feed.
— Scott Cairns, from “Early Frost” in “The Translation of Babel” (The University of Georgia Press, 1990)
Notes:
- Poem: Thank you The Hammock Papers
- Photos: DK on December 15th & 16th in backyard.
