*

*

A squadron of grackles descends

early this morning, clatter and squawk

iridescent purple-black travelers

pick through the dead leaves

*

toss with aimless abandon

snatch up bug or seed or centipede

chase away subordinates

from their grackle snacks

*

A sudden whoosh flings

wings to the trees

dark brush strokes on stark branches

leave the leafy lawn fluffed

massaged pleasure sighs

in the thin spring light