I am small, brown-backed,
long-eared.  The slow
journey makes the view.
The perilous climb,
the curved descent
bring perspective.
Sure footed, large bellied,
no fancy steps,

I have one voice
and it blares, but
it is the only thing
I have with wings.
It bears the whole
weight of this blue
living air.  It spans
the distances.

Storm warning, landslide,
food after travel,
the beauty of my kind:
for all seasons,
all  songs,
delicate and harsh,
it suffices.
                         5/16/1985