11.9

birds are huddling on

the feeding tube perches

for food and protection

as the blasts chill in,

shivering in the shrubbery

to generate body heat,

as if the fire of life was

not enough on its own

to make the difference.

my heart aches to bring them

inside to warmth, but they

would only flail against

the captivity and die.

we do most anything

to live free.

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