Long Live The Queen!
By Michael H. Lester
White-crowned Sparrow, Photo courtesy of Garry George
I have heard
in the Kingdom of birds
in early spring
there will be a coronation
of a white-crowned sparrow
there she is
perched on a picket fence
preening
her ruffled feathers
on this day of days
I am witness
to the changing of the guard
a celebration of life—
above all the others
they have chosen my yard
in the birdbath
three ladies in waiting
dip their heads
in the fresh clear water
and shake them off again
presiding
a plump California Towhee
with her orange rump
facing the curious finches
red-faced and solemn
California Towhee, Photo courtesy of Tjie Poo