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Biophilia

That the blind—
            sight taken

by tumor or gunshot,
diabetes or a blow

to the head—
rarely venture

outside is not true.
I have seen

their cloudy faces
pressed to warm wind

as though to watch
the voice of it—

a bird, recognized
though never

seen—and thus,
claim it.

                   ~

Spotted first in Virginia:
blind house finches,

sight ruined by contagion
and cut from the flock,

scouring the ground for seed
spilled beneath suburban

feeders. I have seen them
rise on a downstroke

of stiff wings and keel, poxed
eyes sightless,

            each bird heavier than the air
through which it climbs.  

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   Biophilia
   Bird Study
   Elegy with Barred Owl
   A Note on the Art in the Oncologist’s Office
   Sentinel Species

  Contributor’s notes
  Claudia Emerson Reading Loop

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