In the Aviary

The first thing you notice
Is the transparent roof
That lets in the sun
It does not need to prevent escape
Since the low flying birds
Glide unimpeded
Making their circles
Within the netted enclosure

Birds sit on rocky ledges
Staring, waiting
Other birds swim in the pool
Singly or in pairs
The space is full of squawks and cries
Reaching the sunlit top
The birds on the ledges scan
Looking, looking

Time is running out