I heard the blackbird in alarm,
saw him on the topary yew
stretching neck and wings
jerking tail, clock work automation
in the summer garden,so quiet until now.
staccato calls to all who listen
defying,sentinel and un-afraid;
so small and black, a golden beak
your only means to fight,
but enough defence it seems
to scare away the cat,
climbing the ivy wall,
and nestlings safe again.