Urban Birds

George N. Braman, MD

The urban birds are in frantic flight again

As they careen from roof to roof, alighting

On the occasional lamppost, and then

Regaining the flock for a fresh sighting.

These birds that now are in such disarray

Used to tarry and “take bread at my hand,”

Used to puff themselves up, parry and play,

Their soft wings shaking, used to strut and stand.

And now they flee, as swift as time itself

And as fleeting—is it something in the air,

A breath of winter urgency and stealth

That stirs them so—ecstasy or despair?

Now see them come to rest, like calming words

After a death—these wings, these urban birds.

FULL TEXT

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2002 American College of Physicians