Community Poem by John Rickell

Goldfinches feed again
counted two today, said hello,
ninja seed their favourite,
thistles from America,
have their feeder all alone
tiny holes keep out the sparrow
who rarely calls today.
Crabs glow pink and white
wild, yet stay
no stake no tie and free to go,
There is no garden gate
all call, dandelion, primrose,
even oxlip shy and rare
paler than the cowslip
seeding everywhere
soon to hide beneath the grass
I do not cut 'til autumn,
sharing with the birds and mice.
And yes, I have a rat.

The garage roof long disappeared
beneath ivy clamber, homes to let
blackbird, tenant 2008, here again
to sing its faithful vigil.
God's-Little-Acre in the corner
have not been for years,
nature left alone, in peace
funny noises, silent, secret
grunting hedgehogs making love,
hear them through the window,
vicarious pleasure on sleepless nights........
knowing I've got it right.
So night over takes day,
no owl to hoot, no fox to bark
all will sleep this night,
tomorrow is another day.

Who will call?
And will they stay?