The NWR Anthem

Merlins, Golden Plovers, and Olive-sided
Flycatchers fly amongst the early autumn
Colors blazing in the wildlife refuge.
Clay-colored Sparrows, Lincoln's Sparrows, Seaside
Sparrows and a Long-billed Dowitcher also
Do their best. My God I think I sighted
Past those pines my first Hudsonian Godwit.
Winston says our horoscopes are spotting
Stars unseen since Planet Earth's beginning.
Our binoculars are steady! We are
Birdwatchers looking through the trees and bushes
Searching for elusive wings and feathers,
Looking for those smaller bodies that transcend,
Perfect flights of poetry migrating
From the shores of Paradise or Newfoundland.



copyright 2001 Gregory Perry