by F.G. Baker

Junior struts across the yard,
Master of his domain.
He was born in the great spruce next door,
his first view of the world, this land.
Within it live the friends, neighbors,
Foes and accomplices of his kingdom.
He has seen it all from his crow’s nest on high,
From the ground and from every angle and view.
He protects if from invading hawks
Who swoop on its resident dove and duck.
Only the humans who live below
do not credit him as its true king.
He keeps balance and justice for all.
If some beautiful, jet black mate
Were to fly by some day,
He would not object.
Until then, he is lonely
and alone ‘til the end
or until the next day
in the Kingdom.