Arrays of light
filter through leafy boughs,
resplendent spirits.
A blue jay repeats
the ringing first half of his call -
he can’t remember
how the rest of it goes.

Can a female bird sing?
he wants to know.
But only the doves
are near -
they murmur among themselves
and flap their wings -
not recognizing the question,
not knowing any answers.

The spirits flicker
within the tree -
they whisper
yes yes yes