Cement Birds On the Birdbath

They cannot fly south for the winter.

Instead, they must stand here frozen

through every weather report,

not needing to worry

about nesting in the cat's mouth

or consider plans he may be hatching.

Maybe the rain

for a comfort

will smooth their feathers enough.

Perhaps, someday,

catching their reflections

dancing among live sparrows,

they will not even dream of flight.