FAREWELL TO ROBINS
Those four robins that I saw today
Perching on fence posts in the backyard, I'm hoping the dear birds are on their way
Because the winter here is much too hard.
I really don't think they wanted to stay.
They did seem intent on flying away.
They did not stay around for very long.
I was tempted to tell them they were late.
They looked rushed; they had no time for a song Or my preaching about a robin's fate.
By the time I opened the back door
They'd flown right out of sight, all four.
There's safety in numbers I know that.
Hence they always migrate in a flock.
But only four, I was puzzled by that.
They would need to keep flying when the clock Conveniently, set back by an hour, Provided more light and flying power.
We've had snow now for over two weeks.
The daytime highs have been rather low.
The wind's been howling on the mountain peaks.
We're ready for winter and lots of snow
But every year I desperately worry
About those straggling birds that do not hurry.
Gail Runschke
Prince George
