Through the harsh whistle of a

bullying Blue Jay from the feeder,

the Common Yellowthroat’s

wichity-wichity-wichity,

we find our own through bill and tap

and rhythmic drumming on drainpipe,

bone against bone.

So much more is said

when the yard is

quiet…

So much more spoken

between        wings.

Kelly Ann Jacobson is a Professor of English and the author of many published books, including the novel Cairo in White, the poetry collection I Have Conversations with You in My Dreams, and anthologies such as Unrequited: Love Poems about Inanimate Objects. She also writes young adult fantasy novels under her pen name, Annabelle Jay.