Claws on Ceramic

The sparrow claws at the chipped feeder rim,

a warrior small with feathers like ruffled linen.

Seed fights back, heavy and fat,

slipping, sliding, a slippery pact.

The wind cuts cold, a whip on tender skin,

bird body tense, trembling, fighting to win.

Ceramic stained by years of rain and bird droppings,

sounds of struggle—quick, sharp, scratching,

a small war fought in the cold morning air.