Dances on the Edge

A Hooded Robin
dances on the edge
of the tree's dead wood.
Dances on the edge of extinction.

But what does a bird know
of extinction? This bird
knows sunshine
and fat black gnats;
he knows flaking bark
and yellow grasses,
drying in the wind.

This bird knows
soft autumn rains
and sticky cobweb;
he knows a hollow that is
perfect for a nest…

and each morning, he sings
in the light of false dawn.

He sings enticement,
he calls, come to me,
he sings and sings
but he dances alone
on the edge.