The Towhee and The Mockingbird

By John I. Blair

The towhee and the mockingbird
Are not inclined to share
The same expanse of rail

On my backyard deck.
First one and then the other
Gives an attack, a dare,

Evidenced by flapping wings
And pecking beak. I don’t know
Which one triumphed

If either did. The point
I think is inability
Of some to see

How easy it could be
To occupy this spacious world
If each would recognize
The others’ right to live.

©2017 John I. Blair, 12/16/2017