They All Look the Same

How can you tell crows apart?

They all look the same.

– You say

Get to know them.

Each crow-person. Each family.

– I say.

Who is bolder? Who hangs back?

Who can catch the tossed peanut

in mid-air?

Who perches on that maple tree

and walks the lawn

for worms?

Who greets with – El – Lo …

El – Lo … ?

Who does sentry duty

on the hydro line?

Warns with – Caw Caw Caw !

It’s not easy, though really

not that hard, to tell

these crows apart. Spend

time with the same birds.

Walk the same route

around the same block.

Carry peanuts in your pocket.

Watch them as carefully

as they watch you.