Birds flock to my backyard
innocent and beautiful
they feed on grubs and worms
prepare to return to nests
where hungry beaks
wait crying to be fed.
In the peaceful scene
death lurks in the quiet
hides under a bush,
camouflaged in the shadows
the cat patiently waits
until one bird moves close
the cat springs
pounces
catches its prey.
The bird cries out
but only briefly
the kill is done
the cat will eat today.
Now the yard is empty
as the other birds fly
to safety and I wonder
will baby birds go hungry now
as they wait in their nest
for a mother who will never return.