Junco (web photo courtesy of celebrateurbanbirds.com, photo by Christopher L. Wood)
The juncos are feasting on sunflower seeds
In the former serving tray (green, metal)
On our balcony this sub-zero morning,
Alone for moments between visits by
House sparrows, starlings, mourning doves
The color of chocolate milk, and robust
Blue jays, fans of peanuts in the spread.
This is day two of the epic Arctic freeze,
Generational, say TV weather talkers,
But nothing like 68 below in Alaska once
Felt by Tom, who now winters in Maine for relief.
Yesterday, he lasted two blocks with Murphy-
The-dog before hustling back to his kitchen.
The minus-68 in Fairbanks bloodied
His nose each time he stuck it outside the door.
Here, we slept with one ear open, worried
The wind would again knock out power,
But we got lucky this time, the heat purring
All night into sunrise. Another half-day of
Icy air before we and the birds catch a break.