ONCE MORE

from my window
there to glimpse
I watch the birds; assorted
set down to feed, frenzied
from a slanting rain, they seek out
to gather peck and scratch
while in this moment of
lost souls, well-nigh contemplative
I look up and as the clock
chimes out the hour, feeling the
assault of lonely moments gather, I am aware then as
before the yard has emptied out once more

by Michael Perry