As the April sunshine beat down day after day
my balcony perch sheltered from the east winds
no longer thrumming with noise of planes and cars
was drenched instead in the constant sound of blackbirds.
Tempting them to visit, I laid softened sultanas on the ledge.
Somehow they found them and came
manic rival males queuing patiently, chirping enquiringly
as they prepared to gobble them down
exhausted females taking a break from brooding
and restoring their flagging strength.
One morning early we found one male searching for breakfast
staring malevolently at us through the window, urging our prompt response!
So I sat on in the sun into early May, sewing masks for the family
for when they urge us all to go out in the big wide world again
and the blackbirds cocked their beady eyes
and stared me out.
One day, growing bolder, I spoke.
‘Sing, blackbird!” I said – and it did!
7 May 2020
Click the link below to hear it!
Riverview Songs 