Burrowing Owl my steady ally
No longer sits on his daytime perch.
With only memories of Coyote's cry,
Where are they now, where would I search?

Jack Rabbit losing his space to run,
Mr. & Mrs. Quail and flock, no more.
Fewer squirrels running down the pine
To dig the earth to stash and store.

Then out back, three miracles in sight,
Tiny birds swayed on delicate twigs,
Quail scurried through bushes and took flight,
Mr. Rabbit appeared, nose twitching, eyes big.

I scarcely breathed, no words to say.
Will I see them again or was it a trance?
To see God's creatures at work and play,
Will my grandchildren have the same chance?

Cement and brick laid over their homes
Covering wildflowers, tumbleweed, sweet grass.
Their food, protection almost gone.
How much time left before they all pass?

June 18, 2009  Donelle Knudsen