Of Course the Red-Winged Blackbirds

Good morning, Dear Ones! It is red-winged blackbird season by Lake Michigan. They are aggressively protecting their nests, and we humans are warning one another as we pass on the path.

Of course the red-winged blackbirds

attack us as we wander.

How easily could we destroy their nest

with our clumsy ignorance,

or casual cruelty.

Perched on the tallest light pole,

the highest tree branch,

their vigilance makes my scalp tingle —

They sit high enough to gather air, momentum as they drop

their indignant screech,

dancing wings

blow over the tops of our heads

like a tiny hurricane