Heat Wave

The Hedgerow birds are wilting;
and even the circling hark
gives them no alarm.

The hot irons of the sun
are smelting bones.
This listless stupor
threatens to unwind the mainsprings
of joy.

Birds do not believe in weather,
each moment for them is a picture
in a gallery of extinctual reactions.

In the throes of a heat-wave,
only humans
have feelings of discomfort
know it and question it,
think of it as a pleasure or a curse.

Animals have more faith
in the next moment,
and the next, then the next.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Be the first to comment on this poem. Encourage this poet.

Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace