Steven Schroeder | as murder is to crow
1
a murder settles in tall trees in spring
closer than any time in my memory.
they sound like a city (which is, you know,
to human as murder is to crow). they
know what they have seen demands to be
told without delay. robins interrupt
morning songs to make way for the news.
cardinals hold their tongues for the time being.
sparrows on tiptoe shake, ready to break
into one note songs, waiting.
2
I recall a young child who used to burst
from the building across the street
every morning crowing.
I listened then until they were out of earshot,
wonder if this murder is here now
to fill the void created by their absence.
3
humans building something that cannot wait
cut heads with crows, perched
at the peaks of buildings
that line the street.
crows fly in time.
robins return to call and response.
cardinals improvise betwixt and between.
sparrows sing for their supper.
murder settles in tall trees.
Chicago
19 June 2023
