Jo

15

When Magpie Calls in Summer

His black bib
spread over his
White breast
as a gentleman
taking tea.

Ebony beads—
eyes fixed— a twitching of
optical senses—
waiting for insects—
emerald ash borer beetle, amber yellow jacket, —
to happen by.

Claws for scratching—
mounting fencepost—
garden bench—
or sturdy clematis vine.

Coal-black feathers
caught—
in the sun’s reflection,
a flash of crimson and vermilion—
moving with alacrity.