Render The Seasons

There is an expectant, concerned air of
desperation in late fall, the southward
migration of songbirds for instance,
the search by small furry creatures for
haven to wait out the frigid, storm-driven
winter months. And the frenetic activities
too of homeowners to prepare gardens
for their long sleep and homes to retain
heat. Comes a whimsy, the last barbecue
of the season, in celebration, before
that too is stored for the interval.

Anticipation dashed with the discovery
grey streaks frantic to escape the incursion
of a threat to the nestled pink young within.
A gentle closing of the top, a swift agreement
that the following spring is time enough.
With spring's arrival, the barbecue carefully
unwrapped, the nest plumped with yet-green
shrivelled leaves and silky threads testament
to months of security, remnants of seed and
nut casings neatly stacked, mice departed.