Glasgow’s inventory of birds

Every bush and tree rustles with the energy

of the tiny, expert wings of coal

and blue-winged titmice.

And pigeons fly down from rooftops 

with a sound like gentle

gloved applause.

Magpies, startling in their stark 

black and white

jump nervously at every little movement,

even that of other magpies. 

Crows glower darkly and

seagulls crest the clouds 

looking like pale slivers against 

an always gray sky. 

And only occasionally does one catch a glimpse

of a fat little bird with a dull brown coat

and a bright red breast.