Redstart Morning

Thank the Woodpecker
who awakened me so early
I don’t know which kind

Like a guitar,
is it the wood
or the musician
that makes the sound
unique?

Cold and crisp
and finally still
the early morning silence

No mowers
No hammers
Not even the Cardinal -
just a whooshing car
or two

Then movement
and more -
the Maple Tree is full of Redstarts!

Flashes of orange and black
rustle of leaves
shadowy figures, darting,
teasing, “don’t let him see us!”

Just once or twice
a glimpse or two
caught in the open
in the sun
for a moment
then move on

and "warbler neck" sets in