What Giant Birds Are These? Poem by Cathe Ferguson

What giant birds are these called trees
with feathers in their arms and knees
that flap and flit and flip and flutter
as to the wind they chirp and sputter?
Although they stretch into the sky
they will not, cannot, do not fly.

What tall birds are these so green
that into forest paths they lean
upon one leg against ravines
where a liquid ribbon intervenes?
Although they sway and rant with ease
they cannot move away these trees.

What kind of birds are these with leaves
that lift and spread with every breeze
yet never lift a wing to flight
but perch in one spot day and night?
Although they reach above our heads,
upon the ground they make their beds.

What awesome birds these bottle trees
and candlebarks and coral trees
that flock in forests sparse or dense
far or near to path or fence?
Although their feathers are called leaves
what giant birds are these called trees!

(Written August 5,2005)