"Another Anniversary of Appomattox," by Stephen Cushman
Another Anniversary of Appomattox
by Stephen Cushman
Some people so lonely
they can't bear the birds again,
those catchy solos about duets
mouthing off outside the window.
Others been lonely so long
they're used to making do
and don't want you
reminding them of redbud blossoms
they've learned to live without.
So if you're a victor, shut
your trap and do no harm
to people who hear in birds,
this wren,
only the terms of surrender.
From Archipelago
by Stephen Cushman
Some people so lonely
they can't bear the birds again,
those catchy solos about duets
mouthing off outside the window.
Others been lonely so long
they're used to making do
and don't want you
reminding them of redbud blossoms
they've learned to live without.
So if you're a victor, shut
your trap and do no harm
to people who hear in birds,
this wren,
only the terms of surrender.
From Archipelago