Looking out
the kitchen window
at the yard
next door
abandoned.

Grass
grows taller
old laughter smiles
a lost echo.
The birds
are unaware.

Singing
they fly down
to steal lunch
hidden in the grass.

Unaware of
property, ownership,
human rules —

They take liberties —
perch on the front
porch swing, borrowing
without asking —

Singing the day
away, perched
on the last
sad item
previous owners
left behind.

~November 2011

Related articles

• Remembering: Grandma would have put this on the fridge (feedthebeauty.com)
• Enjoying the Outdoors with a Charming Porch Swing (choiceofhomes.com)
• Under The Porch (hopedog.wordpress.com)