For the Birds

Saint Francis and the Birds

When Francis preached love to the birds
They listened, fluttered, throttled up
Into the blue like a flock of words
Released for fun from his holy lips.
Then wheeled back, whirred about his head,
Pirouetted on brothers' capes.
Danced on the wing, for sheer joy played
And sang, like images took flight.
Which was the best poem Francis made,
His argument true, his tone light.

Seamus Heaney


Fun urban walk with Kendallishere, saw this St Francis sculpture, an urban buddha, and cow painted red, white and blue!

Extra: I found the Hollyhock in a street side garden