Magpies & Other Outlaws

A sign in the park
says beware
of the magpies

We walk under tall trees
The magpies scold and gossip
It's cold and we don't know

where we're going
The trees don't tell
mynas and magpies

to get out of their space
One day we say
we're going to learn

the names of these trees
You try to dress me
in your past

lover's black scarf
I am twisting and turning
and watching

the magpies
There's danger ahead
I won't wear it