Catbirds in June
I think because I remember writing about them last June,
this week I spied the collection of catbirds
seemingly shadowing me
again.
But this year I did some research.
It turns out that June is a lively time for catbirds,
migrating back to familiar homes, busily caring for new hatchlings, hunting insects, together with their mates of the season.
Last June I waxed poetic (literally),
thinking these bird sightings were a sign meant for me:
a message about finding one’s voice
at a time when the fracturing of my former life
had led me to the shady thickets of my soul
in a pleading search
for omens.
But the catbirds were just doing their catbird thing
and I was making my own way through another season
alone.
How foolish to believe
that nature would notice my miniscule human struggle
in the midst of its intricate, perfectly designed agenda.
6/6/26
8 thoughts on "Catbirds in June"
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I love this exploration, and the change in perspective that time can bring. The catbirds are, of course, doing their catbird thing (LOVE that line btw), but how lovely of nature to align with you, last June, this June, in ever changing ways.
Thank you. I guess it is a non-negotiable way of recognizing the passage of time, and our own evolution.
So many lovely lines! Thank you for helping me learn about the catbird.
Thank you! If you want a deep dive on catbirds, check out my poem from last year’s LexPoMo! 😂
How human, the search for patterns and meaning,
Such a tender, wry reflection.
I am with Leah, love this so much:
“But the catbirds were just doing their catbird thing
and I was making my own way through another season
alone.”
thank you.
Thank you for the comment. It felt indulgent to write a poem reflecting on another poem I’d written. 🙂
Seconding what the others have said here but I enjoyed how you write about the world’s “intricate, perfectly designed agenda.”
Thank you for the feedback!