Rachael z. Ikins

On feathers, faint "cheat-cheat"
voices, first flock of late February
redwings and grackles flutters like last
leaves, October memories,
above my head, below gray satin
clouds, Spring climbs out of winter´s
laddered cavern, creaks against stone wall:

Rungs of cardinals´ crimson cheer,
woodpecker´s downy rhythms,
chickadee chuckle, orioles´
mournful three-note measure,
doves tune, their ruffed breasts,
eyes squint into cold sunlight.

Cascading bells, finches´ flutter
purple to olive to a lighter gold
higher, higher, each rung
grasped by cold hands pulls the Sun
brighter brighter.