The Worrier
red-winged blackbirds
What do they bring?
The sound of water under their tongues.
Where did you first see them?
The flesh-colored blossoms.
What do they sound like?
The click of pennycress,
red-stem filaree,
silky crazy-weed.
What about their wings?
They’re scented with cottonwood.
Why are their wings so black?
Coal dust,
an alcove in a deep canyon,
jewels of an eclipse.
Why are their shoulders so red?
They always hold the last light.
The Worrier
toad
What is the toad?
A brain that shadow-boxes,
fish-eye that shivers,
bagel of fear,
bud in the gum.
What is his name?
Rain-under-eves.
What are his habits?
Marimba on stone.
Insomnia in hostas.
Who does he call?
Moths that lose lanterns.
A woman awake.
Who is his mother?
Echo.
Who is his father?
The night watchman
with a hand in the pond.
What does he love?
The heart of a recluse.
Read poetry by Nancy Takacs previously published in Terrain.org.
Photo of red-winged blackbird flock by Rusty Dodson, courtesy Shutterstock.
