Book XVIII: Goose

maybe northern by name
but not supposed to be here

it's getting a little chilly, no?

the formations are grounded
stuck here unknowing
not knowing which way the sun falls

might as well laze about
there is nothing to consume

the formations are grounded
stalled here unknowing
not knowing which way
the polar winds blow

Book XVII: Snow

come as they go
white as you know
freezing the days
blocking the ways

the leaves are still falling
but darkness is calling
till sunshine comes out
blinds eyes all about

come as they will
touching down on the hill
assault on winds blow
white as you know

Book XVI: Cougar

You don't belong down here.

You wander down from time to time
but it's not your place
it's not your space

we'd rather not
see your face

You venture down here now and then
but it's not your right to start a fight

you'd better not prowl in the light
or we'll be in a world of fright

you don't belong
get out of sight!
you don't belong down here.

Book XV: Sunflower

Off a porch's steps or in a window box
Rising up from the soil with a face to light
Are these city gangsters to rock your socks!
You know that these rebels will do it right.

What is it that makes them so badass?
Standing so tall, staring down like the one
Staring up in their smugness, behaviour so crass
As they soak in the rays of the rising sun.

Unblinded they own the sky, bright and uncouth
Still not caring at all of the hustle and bustle
While dealing the snack dominating your mouth
Watch the gangsters gang up without moving a muscle.

Book XIV: Ladybug

cute little foreigner
more orange than the past
the moderate alert
of a new invader

not very spotty
new waves upon waves
every time the sun shines
the conquest unfolds

fiercely
biting
locals

deceptive façades
walls crawling in orange
a more than spotty invasion
by a new invader

Book XIII: Centipede

you really freak me out

scurrying about top speed
outrunning rolled-up magazines

owning the walls
like you're paying the mortgage

on the pest prowl
silencing the weaker

you really freak me out

running uncontested
owning the house

Book XII: Blue Jay

air

raid

siren

blares overhead
as he comes down

screaming down

attacking the feeder
in violence
in obnoxiousness

tall

blue

crest

flares overhead
as he comes down

screaming town

Book XI: Seagull

a naval force
always far from the sea

asphalt and yellow lines
as good a resource

why dive under
when the litter's on top?

a resource as valuable
worth holding the post

conquering the land
a force from the sea

Book X: Grass

upright and proud
none could envy
as none could be greener

standing tall
standing over
holding ground
sheltering units

defending the very soil

they watch as the blades slash
they won't lose their heads

they face the blades in silence
they stand tall
they hold their ground

upright and proud
none could envy
home
protector.

Book IX: Raven

when the sun is high
there is only darkness
as the trees cry murder

the skies cry murder

the valley cries foul
as the darkness descends
in screech and skitter

a brainy battalion
a gregarious gang
a shadowy shroud

a murderous mass

the darkness descends
to consume the refuse
that life left behind