From Three Blocks West of Wonderland, a collection of poems published by Ekstasis Editions.

We plan, like architectsto bring the outdoors in,parrot like realtorsthe charms of a tree house,for up on this hill,birdsong is tangible.We always getwhat we want, camouflagedin our mossy cabin, highabove the thresholdof discovery. Open sky.360-degree views. Proximity to water.Reliable food sources. Plentyof nesting material. Gravel fliesfrom under the foot of a rabbitfleeing a resident eagle.Ravens and jays battleover kibble, shit bomb the deck.They want in,past windowpanes that trick them.Frenzied. Talons flashing, they enterthrough a door in the firmament.I guide them outside, stunnedat the feel of wing bones.Banging hearts. A hummingbird goesstillborn in the cup of my hands,then, buzzers off, leaving a tangin my throat, a ringof ruby dust on my finger,incriminating as pollen.