Departure of the Bird Woman

Gone North for the Winter, Spring

Summer and Autumn - not returning.

Her friends, the birds, as now unfed

After all these years of suet and

Sunflower seed from a kind hand.

One bird table left behind - feeders

Taken off the fence, where honeysuckle

Climbs in ramshackle garden.

One bird table taken - sustenance to be

Given to a new troupe of feathered

Friends - but what of the old?

They can fend for themselves, it's true

But when red kite flies sorties over

Shed roof, there will be no takeaway.

As for sparrows in the hedgerow-

They are sure to be subdued.

In truth,

Blackcaps, blackbirds, robins and wrens -

Even the venerated woodpecker of black, white

And red,

Will no longer be beneficiaries -

Must cease to depend.

Because the departure of the bird woman

Leaves an unexpected gap

Which will not be quickly filled.