Shopping Center Blackbird

** Shopping Center Blackbird ** He, rising in defense of the others, Presenting himself, to all with ears To hear and before all eyes, The black, flapping silhouette atop The silver, double-bulbed street lamp; This loudest shrieking, Not to be ignored Blackbird, Appearing actually, Half the size of his declaring all This territory his own — That expanse of dark blue Paved spaces, surrounded At a slight distance from an oval line of trees — Yet he returns from his diverting Watch of the over-all To nest to rest hidden in security And warmth, all tucked away Behind the green “Y” of The “Subway” store’s shopping center sign. ——————————————————————————————- (c) sally young eslinger 3/22 Thanks be to God