by YVETTE STUBBS
The birds are restless again
a haze of smoke smudges the mountains
crows fly with starlings
curtaining the air with feathered fear
where is the fire?
Are they doing controlled burnings near?
I am restless now
Birds are drinking from the cattle trough
In great number
There are not enough trees for you here
The birds are restless here
I cannot erect a forest for them
I cannot grow a canopy
But that haze worries me
The birds are crying and man
Has his hand somewhere here
Man has his hand in deep