The Woodpecker
outside my daughter’s window, the woodpecker hammering the aluminum gutter
knows nothing other—than what he knows
this incensed bird will wake my teen who already sleeps fitfully
beneath the creatures who suffocate her dreams:
they claw earth; pollute water; rape land;
tear friendships; rend families; decimate futures
they alter climates
they type in ALL CAPS
the woodpecker continues his assault on the gutter outside my daughter’s window
if this red-headed madcap mirrored humanity at all, he might desist
but he doesn’t know anything other—than what he knows
the hammering bird hunts for his brand of love;
his brand of sustenance;
his right to expand his territory;
his need to collect like-minded-birds who would adore his amplified walloping
so, I must continue thinking of ways to deter him—or at the very least send him elsewhere
but how unkind would that be—he’s only a bird after all
the inane walloping is coming from elsewhere
(Prisma pencil pecker created about ten years ago)
I hope you’re all managing okay.
I take in every headline without breathing
anntogether 
I wish the woodpecker could hammer some sense into certain politicians.
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As do I, VJ, as do I❤️
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I had a problem with a woodpecker on the cedar siding. Bought silver ribbons made for the job and just hung them over the spot he was destroying (there were 2 or 3 places. Made the woodpecker go to a tree, but had two sets of sparrows nest in the hole he made. I could hear them peeping in my bedroom. So sweet. But after the last batch left, the hole was closed.
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I couldn’t believe the insane sounds echoing through the entire street. I read up on why woodpeckers hammer – besides the desire to find food – they hope the louder their noise- the better their chances at mating… I never thought about silver ribbons – smart!
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I love this poem, AM … in the initial iteration, and in this newer one. I’m sure it was greatly appreciated at the reading the other night. A talented poet, you are, Miss. Words, clay, paint — you do it all! DS
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Morning DS – clock change wasn’t in the happy direction this morn😄 I thank you for your kind words, my friend. This morning, I must chop then reattach one of my alien mermaid’s arms – it grew longer than its partner – dang
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