For the Ovenbird

For the Ovenbird

For the little brown bird

That no longer walks slowly

Head bobbing

Over the forest floor.

For the loud, clear song

That no longer sounds

Through the forest.

For eggs

That will never hatch.

And for chicks

That will never fledge.

For the little flame

Of energy and life

That took the perilous journey

From Costa Rica to its breeding grounds,

Only to be extinguished

By a window pane.