An Original Poem

I Know Why the Birds Cry                                                     

for David Hale

Emily Yglesias

I know why the birds cry,

they’re scared of the hunters who fly at night

they’re scared of the villagers who run in daylight

they’re scared of the foxes that know their taste.

I know why the birds cry,

they tremble at the sound of hooves beating the ground

they tremble at the sound of yells and screams echoing through the oak trees

they tremble at the sound of pure silence.

I know why the birds cry,

they know their fate.

they cry out to their sisters and brothers

beckoning them to flee

to carry themselves away.

Away from the hunters

away from the villagers

away from the foxes.

I know why the birds cry,

not everyone gets away.