A red-winged blackbird gently lit

upon a proud reed in the marsh.

It's color, beauty, and its song

an ample counter to its weight.



To celebrate, the reed bowed slightly

offering up a comfy perch

and for a time the bird and reed

were there, alone, a peaceful pair.



Until at once, in glorious splendor,

red-winged blackbirds filled the air

and sought the source of such sweet music;

paradise, they'd heard, was near.



And gently, oh so ever gently

one, then two, then three and more

alit beside their joyous sister

on the reed down in the marsh.



At first, the reed knelt just more slightly

glad to hold this party high

but when a dozen birds had joined

its flex and vigor fully left.



And so a faint and tiny crack

between the fibers of the stalk

gave way to flutters black and red

and silence flew to fill the void.

