Under the Big Top 

Redwing blackbirds’ raspy 
cries from the apple tree call 
all performers to the feeder: 
nuthatches strut upside down, 
chickadees swoop as if trapezed, 
yellow finches joust with juncos, 
a downy woodpecker flits in for a cameo, 
blue jays squawk like Barnum himself 
while ringmaster cardinal can’t get anyone 
to line up. It’s always seconds before show time 
and I’ve got the best ringside seat in the house.