Two Warblers

by Jonathan Skinner

Cape May
Dendroica tigrina

your sharp, slightly decurved
chestnut and gold horns
striped at the throat black
streaks speak sheets, seethe sleet
puncture grapes drink juice
defend the flowering plants
on volcanic hills I court you
tigress with rigid wings
touching the patch of yellow
behind ears, your spruce –fir’s
smooth vine stems pitching
me buzzy with flight

American Redstart
Setophaga ruticilla

butterflies, flitting, drops wings
he he he he him I’ll like
bright orange crescents,
yellow flash – patches
well I’ll well I’ll well I’ll
spread a Japanese tail fan
and just cool myself off here
birch bark feathers lichens line
the nest, cozy as can be