The Game of Life

by Selma Sayre

Oh joyful morning when creatures awaken to sing,
   Feed and play their role in the Game of Life.
Humming birds whiz by to sip sweet nectar of
   Plants and feeders.
We are blessed by the presence of this
   Delightful, enchanting, miniature bird with
Rapidly flapping wings hovering at the feeder.

How sweet the sound and sight of the cardinal
   Arriving for the first feeding.
The presence of a young one just learning to fly
   Gives pleasure and hope for the future.
The Chickadee with little black cap, and the
   Tufted Titmouse arrive to dine, but cannot share.
Each species lives by a special code of life.

Suddenly, the cheerful noisiness of the early morning
   Creatures is silenced, fear replaces joy.
All swiftly return to the nests where
   The young await their morning feeding.
"Caw, Caw, Caw," a raucous sound of the crow
   Sends a bolt of fear into every heart.
Danger sensed, nesting young become quiet.
 

To frighten the crow we rush outside

   Clapping hands and waving arms.
On the highest branch of the tallest tree
   The sentinel says, "O.K., just gramps and gram,
Don’t worry, they love us too."
   A piercing scream heard above the raucous caws.
A baby is taken, mother, father are distressed.

Undisturbed, crows fly to other territory,
   Caw. Caw, Caw, another nest robbed.
Still searching, they watch, wait and
   Caw, caw, caw.  How loud they are,
Alerting all who may be threatened,
   "Caw, Caw, Caw," the strident sound of the crow.
Blessed are we to hear and see the drama of the new day.

In the wisdom of Primal Intelligence, the crow
   Has a special mission in the chain of life.
A worldly bird, fulfilling its role around the globe,
   Respected for intelligence and fortitude.  
Morning solitude disturbed, we heave a deep sigh
   Of gratitude for another day
To listen, watch and revel in this Game of Life.