for Jan Gebert

I know the ones most people know: robins,
cardinals, and I can recognize a woodpecker
with my eyes closed. But I envy people who
can label the others, those birds from far
away, the ones who drop by for a week

or two just to startle and delight watchers
smart enough to know how rare rare
birds can be. I love the ones with striking
rainbow feathers, but I can’t give them
a name, the same for that super cool bird

with feet like red boots. I love that guy
but I don’t know his name either.
Sometimes I feel I’m at a giant bird party
and wish they were wearing “Hello,
My Name Is …” tags so I could join

in the pleasure real watchers have,
those who can spot a bird on a branch
or winging on a piece of sky and, like God
in Eden’s Garden, look at them with love
then give each of them a name.

© by Edwin Romond.
Used with the author's permission.