A Robin,

probing grass is recognized
as a hungry eater of earthworms;
but in a cherry tree,
is seen as chief thief of that fruit;
while to and fro from its nest
becomes a faithful provider for fledglings.

But when robins sing,
they are heard as a singer for rain
or of morning gladness:
every listener free to interpret,
who does not know the death rate
of this much-loved bird

is in the annual thousands
due to man’s crude works:
power lines and skyscrapers
lights and disease.
Then this bird is our helpless victim
and we are, I hope, ashamed.