North American robin 
                                 (credit: Wikimedia Commons)
                                           

To Be In Alberta

A robin in my new home isn't one;

In Kent this was a plain red-breasted thrush.

New land, new names, new hopes -- ah well, but hush!

His throat lilts one clear note, then six all run,

Then four picked of the six, and then ... the one.

Song after Winter! Such emotions rush!

Spring's even here, this other Edmonton.

And now he darts to perch my windowsill,

Head cocked, all saucy, pecks the cold, bare glass.

You're fighting your reflection! Silly ass!

Aren't you? Illusions thus exhaust the will.

My baby cries, the prairie sighs. I brush

A tear away, heartsick to hear that moan.

And then ... I'm strong. Get tough or die alone!

   

                                             (credit: Wikimedia Commons)




   

                              Downtown core, Edmonton, Alberta, 2013 
                                  (credit: Wikimedia Commons)