Each year,

in out-sized voice,

he makes his

declaration;

small, bold auctioneer

rapidly proclaiming

his fine qualities

and wares –

twig-and-stick

nest sites

of considerable

envy.

Yet,

when the song

has threaded through

privet and azalea,

when negotiations

are exchanged,

decisions made

and settled —

despite my hopes,

my efforts to

accommodate —

another site is —

doubtlessly,

regrettably —

selected.

— C.Birde, 5/19