Great Horned Owl, Outside Tucson
Just beyond my bedroom window
Great-horned owl calls his mate
She answers him most deftly
Single “hoo” a wee bit late
Their cadence’s, smooth and rhythmic
He more strident, firm, than she
What could female be relating,
Calling back from yonder tree?
Are they planning life together?
Did the nesting fabric rend?
Or are they just now courting,
Pondering whether or not to spend~
Their lifetimes together
In the desert?
Two dozen warblers
Groups of five, seven and twelve
Taking flight at once
You seek the sun
Despite hail, rain and thunderstorms
You seek the sun
Flex, arch, open, til day is done
You fight pests, vermin, turning worms
Disregard all threats, anger, harms
You seek the sun
Raindrops pelt on skylight, white
But I’m deceived
The firmament lets loose of no deluge
Craning, catching better sight
Black specks, aggrieved
Last gasp in nature’s futile subterfuge
Now mute, the wingless creatures lie
No soil or mound
Will hold the future, soared toward, bravely sought
Not viable, death is nigh
Post storm, false ground
Formicidae left safe home for naught
