The Mockingbird

Mockingbird, you’re at it again,
flawlessly forming perfect chirps
and whistles. You’re a winged
linguistic super genius, fluent in
many twitters, turning your phrasing
for fun. Mocking, though, is
not the name that suits you best,
for you have no wish to imitate
other birds. Would you consider
emilydickinsonbird (not as to demeanor-
think lofty songbird stature)?
No other bird can offer your reward.

Fly, now, to the high branch,
throw back your head and
hit your stride. Robin and junco
envy you, but cannot deny you are
fine. They never guess your next verse
as they glance at each other, then
back at you, ever surprised by the
pensive, sublime line. They are faster
freer, wiser when they again set
their wings against the sky, knowing
they will choose to speak in their
given voice and be content.

Tags: Add new tag, contentment, emily dickinson, mockingbird