oh   i still recognize the old familiars

by sight or sound

tanagers   blackbirds   dear phoebes

to name three   shy birds   though

those that hide

in treetops and brush   are disappearing   with age

from my view   range of hearing   

you know how it goes

nothing is lost   not really   like me

they are part of the crowd   nameless perhaps

without song

or plummage of note   but no less significant   our voices

and finery served their purpose   treetops and brushy retreats  

quiet and safe   will do