Conversations (XIX) — to the new year’s messages

The messages gathered overnight
In the tree outside my bedroom

Then woke me up before I knew I was
Hearing them. Fill my branches with birds,

With the starlings of your thought.
I will see that they are well fed, and my house

Shelters them from the worst of the winter
Wind. I will come outside to them

And stand in the bracing cold,
Resolute, and watch the new day.