Junco hyemalis

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foretelling arrival of winter
the bird begins  to gather debris

for her nest  cold months ahead
suggest a lifeless season always

life beneath the surface for
anyone  who wants to

look long enough  this is
how the world learns to begin anew

how the heart  heals itself
standing up and walking

digging deep  for warm lodging
a windbreak against Cailleach

harbinger  of faith
a righteous messenger

brought forth  to announce
a bright beginning

renewal  each slight shift
of the pear tree’s branch