A Ritual of Appeasement

A blackbird settles forcefully
upon the back yard porch
casting his eye on my meager menu
just corn meal yet particular to
the desires of blue jays

not long ago a nest provided all
necessary sustenance
a mother’s security, protection
from other feathery types--

now grown the day belongs to him.

And I watch that soulful eye
casting about before pounding several
offerings into submission
a snack to sustain
him before further seeking--

without fanfare nor striking beak
he soon vacates my view.

© Richard L. Provencher
Website: www.wsprog.com/rp/