jesters

Blackbird, raven, jack-of-night

cawing treetop sawing

blackbills slatter through light

winter solstice gathering

in an old tree behind the house.

Inside with some friends of mine

I hear you right.

You are beautiful, too.

Your oilskin sealfeathers shine.

You are not crow, but sprite

welcoming night like weather

in darkening flights, jesters

making sport of life.