the welfare state

i burrow

the pole deep into the soft ground.

steadying

it,

then setting upon

the metal frame a bird house

with

a metal roof,

and sides

for which the birds can sit

and eat,

peck away at the seed that

i dutifully provide.

two weeks

go bye.

how quickly they've

soiled the fence,

the patio and yard.

dressed in black and red, 

in brown and blue

feathers they

sit and wait their

turn on the fence, crowded,

side by side.

the word is out.

it isn't long before

i'm at the store again with

another ten

pound bag of seed

to carry home.